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AAU team learns away from court
Scotts AllStars
The Scotts All-Stars high-school-aged boys basketball team didnt make bracket play at the state AAU tourney, but they walked away with a valuable lesson in drug abuse and sports. - photo by Photo provided.

Scott’s All-Stars’ high-school-aged boys’ basketball team went to their first AAU tournament in LaGrange on April 23-24.
Twenty teams participated in the tournament and Scott’s team wasn’t one of the 12 to make bracket play, but playing hoops is only one aspect of the All-Stars program.
Before hitting the road for the Georgia AAU state tournament, the boys were treated to a speech by Save Our Children founder Linnie Darden Sr.
“He spoke to the kids about the dangers of drugs,” All-Stars coach and founder Marcus Scott said. “He gave them several scenarios about athletes who didn’t make it due to drug usage.  He also explained that of all the kids that grew up with him, he is the only one that was successful.”
Scott said Darden told the kids to stay away from drugs and stay focused on their academic and athletic abilities.
“(Darden) explained that if they do not stay away from drugs and stay focused, that only one out of the 12 students in the room would be successful.”
“I learned that life gives you many opportunities to be successful, but it’s up to you to make the right decisions,” player Cameron Livingston said. “I also learned that drugs are something that have messed up many young athletes’ lives and that we should steer clear of them.”
“On the road to success, you will be stopped by distractions but you need to stay focused,” player Elijah Jones said. “Drugs and alcohol are going to come in your way but we have to steer clear of them because they will quickly knock you off track.”
Scott said he wants the young men to understand that basketball is just a small part of the All-Stars program.
“We believe in developing the whole child,” Scott said. “This is why community service, guest speakers, college visits and academic performance are so important and are parts of Scott’s All-Stars program.”
After the tournament, the boys also got an opportunity to visit LaGrange College.

Marietta Heat 61, Scott’s All-Stars 49
All-Stars: Mike Farrior 11, Sayvon Wilson and Jalen Watson 9, Earl Paige, Cameron Livingston, Tray Tucker and Dazjon Tinae 5
Atlanta Elite 59, Scott’s All-Stars 38
All-Stars: Mike Farrior 20, Dazjon Tinae 7, Earl Paige 4, Elijah Jones 3, Sayvon Wilson and Jalen Watson 2
GT Stars 78, Scott’s All-Stars 66
All-Stars: Mike Farrior 20, Sayvon Wilson 19, Dazjon Tinae 9, Cameron Livingston 7, Tray Tucker 5, Jalen Watson, Earl Paige and Savon Walthour 2

Scores courtesy of LaGrange tournament

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