By Kenneth Derringer.
On what seemed to be a non-enigmatic 29th of March, came a profound weekend. The answer to the not so age old question of how many miles it takes to make three champions, is about 150. MC Wolves AAU basketball team led by Jason Castlin and Akeem Francis started off their fifth annual season with a bang. Teams starting at 5th, 6th, 8th, 10th, and 11th grade competed in high-level basketball.
Coaches Jason Castlin, Darryl Knight, & Akeem Francis from left to right.
The location, a gym with bright lights, bleachers, concession stand food, and a mild odor of sweat. The banter from the crowd included the familiar oohs and aahs, defense chants, and give me threes.
The sounds on the court included the constant squeaks from shoes, whistles from refs, and the annoying buzzer sound were also familiar companions of an AAU tournament.
So what was different about this nondescript weekend on the last of March. Three teams were crowned champions by the end of the weekend. And though the fourth team lost the championship game, all four competed on championship day.
To say the MC Wolves had a successful weekend is an understatement. The three champions have all received a large bid (equivalent to $500) to the national qualifying tournament in Orlando mid July. At one point it seemed as though the trophy presentation room was filled to the brim with MC Wolves players, coaches, and family.
MC Wolves coaches and 10th grade players. From left to right: Coach Tim Stokes, Maddox, Isaiah Kelli, Isaiah Austin, Coach Akeem Francis, Marcus Francis, Coach Jason Castlin, Hilun, Keno, Peyton, Javon, Evan, Cam, and Coach Winston Johnson.
How did the Wolves get here? About a month long preparation with dedication from volunteer coaches and tremendous effort from the players alike.
MC Wolves Coaches and 11th grade Players. From left to right: Coach Jason Castlin, Jaquavious, Josiah, Miris, Champ, KJ, Locke, Maury, Trey, Coach Darryl Knight, Coach Akeem Francis, jaMarcus, and Coach Winston Johnson.
Coach Francis exclaimed, “It’s a team mixed with players from different places but the bond they are building is amazing to see!! Super excited to see them continue to grow!!”
MC Wolves Coaches and Players from youngest winning team. From left to right: Coach Tim Stokes, DeAndre, Jugg, Jaydin, MJ, Chase, Coach Brady Wilson, Fred, Austin, Coach LaRhonda Wilson.
The usual suspects of participants in the MC wolves program are evident with players from Jackson, Mary Persons, Ace Academy, Lamar County, and Upson. And while some participation from Upson players has always been a part of the Wolves family, this year has seen a larger influx from that side of middle Georgia. This includes the blessing and overwhelming support from the Upson basketball program which has helped the Wolves maintain continuity of practice as well as increasing their competition level.
Maybe I’m playing it too safe when saying Upson is a large part of the MC Wolves. As the hospital, Upson Regional Medical Center, has also been an unwavering supporter of the program for years.
Coach Knight, URMC General surgeon, says, “URMC sponsors a basketball program, but also unwittingly sponsors father-son relationships, mentoring, athletic achievements, and support of an entire spring basketball community.”
So it took a caravan of untold cars, 50 some odd players, coaches, parents, and family 150 miles to travel. Not to mention all parties included had to brave traveling through Exit 218 or as I call it “Donner’s pass.” The peach pass lane was closed in our direction for all traveling to the game. But in the end 30 rings, three championship trophies, ten second place awards, $1500 in entry fee winnings, and three automatic national qualifier bids were achieved. It took 150 miles but what a haul!
