Looking for a repeat performance of last year’s championship win, the 15U Coastal Crew Rebels are in Suwanee for the 2011 Bobby Hussey Nike Memorial Day Classic. The tournament, hosted by the Georgia Stars, started Saturday and concludes Monday.
The Rebels were scheduled to play the Stars, St. Louis Eagles, the Tri-Cities Team and other top-notch AAU basketball teams.
“They have teams coming from all over,” Rebels coach Ernie Walthour said. “They have about 25 teams flying into Atlanta from other states. A lot of D1 kids are going to be there and big time programs will be there, and we were just glad to get the invitation.”
Last year, the same group of players won the championship trophy as a 14U squad. Walthour said the team is ready but faces a much more difficult task.
“The last time we played in the tournament, they had (about) 50 teams, and this time they have over 100 teams,” he said
Walthour said they will do their best and said the event provides a great opportunity for people to see and recognize the talent presented by the Coastal Crew Rebels.
“A lot of people will get to see us play up in Atlanta, and it gives us a good opportunity to get ready for the nationals coming up in July,” he said. “We are hoping to go up there and play well and represent Liberty County the right way. We are the only team from Liberty County that actually got an invitation to go to this big tournament.”

Editor’s note: The Courier will publish the results of the tournament once they become available.