Teams from Statesboro to Savannah gathered at the St. James Sports Center on Saturday for the the Clash of the Champions Tournament. In the end, the Youth Challenge Academy team from Fort Stewart beat the Coastal Crew Rebels for the title.
"The tournament went well. We had several teams sign up and a lot of people came out to support the tournament and watch some great basketball," said Ernie Walthour, head coach for the championship team. "There was a lot of action and it was good for the St. James Sports Center and the community."
Walthour said the championship game pitted some of his Rebels players against the Youth Challenge squad he also coaches. He said the players went head-to-head, but the YCA team prevailed by a three point margin, winning 42-39.
Walthour thanked the organizations that participated in the tournament, including a new squad out of Walthourville coached by Cedric Robertson."He is doing a tremendous job keeping some of our Rebel players in basketball shape during our off season and before school starts," Walthour said. "He also helps the kids play organized sports, even the kids who don’t play basketball in high school for different reasons. He is doing a great job."
YCA Cadet Kelvonte Jackson was named the tournament MVP.
"It was good to see the kids back on the court," Walthour said. "Thanks to Osteen and Osteen Law Firm for providing the trophies for the tournament and also to the St. James Sports Center for all the support they give us in getting sports out to the youth in the county."
YCA Roster
Kelvonte Jackson, captain
Steven Harrigan, co-captain
Jeremy Peterson, co-captain
James Gill
Cleo Williams
Joshua Ewing
Henry Riggins
Cliliton Hayward
Paul Jackson
Raasnid Rocke
Tomas Moore
Mike Simpson
Cortez Jenkins
Ashton Poole
Coach Ernie Walthour
Tournament scores
• YCA 65, Brunswick 57
• YCA 58, Savannah 41
• YCA 47, Statesboro 41
• YCA 42, Rebels 39 championship game