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Kings repeat on River Street
Team claims first place in annual Classic tournament
17UChamps3
The 2008 17U South Georgia Kings took first place at the River Street Classic Tournament held last weekend in Savannah. According to head coach Jessie Fleming this same group of kids have won first place for the last three years. The 13U, 15U and 16U also took first place. - photo by Photo provided.
With 70 teams from seven different states taking the court at the annual River Street Classic Basketball Tournament held in Savannah last weekend, fans knew the competition was going to be fierce.
For Jessie Fleming, head coach of the 17U South Georgia Kings, it was just another chance for a repeat performance as his current 17U South Georgia Kings squad took the first place trophy home once again.
"This is the third year in a row that this same group of kids took first place," he said. " They came together when they were freshman and now have a three-peat win."
In addition to the 17U trophy, Fleming said his 13U, 15U and 16U squads also hoisted the first place trophies.
"To have four teams take home first place is amazing," he said. "To add to our honor we were invited to attend the Super Showcase scheduled for July 23-27 in Disney World. It's a very special thing, only teams that are invited can attend."
Originally founded as the Hinesville Kings by Fleming, Leonard Hall and Donell Woods, Jr., in 2002, the organization changed their name to the South Georgia Kings in 2003 to reflect the diverse talent comprised of players encompassing all off the coastal Georgia area.
When former Georgia Tech, NBA and CBA pro player Quantico Brown joined on as part of the coaching staff, the wins and support of fellow coaches grew as did the success of the King squads.
Brown currently coaches the 16U squad.
The talented South Georgia King squad was granted a sponsorship by Adidas, thanks in part to the generosity of the late Wallace Prather. Joining Adidas grassroots allows the Kings teams and players to participate in national tournaments and highly recruited camps.
As for the tournament, currently in its third year, tournament director Chris Stacy hopes the day will come when they hit 100 teams.
Stacy, of Georgia Coastal Youth Inc., a non-profit organization to benefit youth, told the media that the event is a great economic impact for the city as well as his organization.
The tournament serves as a fundraiser for the Georgia Coastal Youth, Inc., which affords boys and girls the opportunity to receive college exposure nationally by traveling to some of the top tournaments and camps in the country.  The Lady 76ers, the team Stacy directs,  are currently the only NIKE sponsored team.
The River Street Classic featured 28 girls' teams this season and 42 boys' teams with the kids ranging in age from 10-17.


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