Local youth teams playing for state titles

By Staff
Scot Beard
Five local youth basketball teams will take the court today at the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association state tournament in Gadsden. Two other teams played Friday night.
The teams are comprised of All-Stars from the Franklin County Youth Basketball Organization and feature players from Belgreen, Phil Campbell, Red Bay, Russellville, Tharptown and Vina.
This is the third year of the FCYBO and the first time local teams have qualified for the state tournament.
"In the first year we had four teams," said Richie Hester the coach of the 8-and-under girls team. "The second year there were five teams when Red Bay joined. Now Russellville joined and we are represented in all six communities."
The 8-and-under girls team will compete at the Mitchell Community Center beginning at noon while the two 8-and-under boys teams will compete at the Thompson Community Center and teams will play today and tomorrow.
The 10-and-under girls and the 12-and-under girls will play at the Coliseum while the 10-and-under boys and 12-and-under girls play in the Gadsden City High School gyms.
All of the finals will be played Sunday afternoon with the exception of the 8-and-under girls. The championship game for that age group will be today at 3 p.m.
"The best thing about this year is the way the communities have come together for these kids," Hester said.