First ever NCAA/NFHS Boys Scholastic Basketball Event coming to SC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, June 19, 2019
First ever NCAA/NFHS Boys Scholastic Basketball Event coming to SC
South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) student athletes will be lacing up their sneakers this summer to participate in the inaugural NCAA/NFHS Boys Scholastic Basketball Event. The SCHSL is partnering with the South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association to host this year’s event at three area high schools on June 21-23, 2019.
“It goes without saying South Carolina has an abundance of talented, skilled student athletes competing for a basketball state championship each year. The NCAA and NFHS are helping to promote their efforts and desire to continue to play at the next level. This inaugural event will not only invite college coaches to our beautiful state, it will also enhance efforts to enroll our students in higher education institutions across the US. There will be no ‘winners’ crowned at the event, but it is definitely a win-win for student athletes as well as the college coaches evaluating their performance this weekend,” states event organizer and SCHSL Associate Commissioner Skip Lax.
Sites
Richland Northeast High School
7500 Brookfield Road
Columbia, SC 29223
Spring Valley High School
120 Sparkleberry Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Westwood High School
180 Turkey Farm Road
Blythewood, SC 29223
Each student athlete participating will attend an academic workshop, a required component of the event. There will be 65 teams participating on Friday and Saturday. Approximately 90 athletes will be taking part in Sunday’s individual showcase. South Carolina will have nearly 100 member schools represented throughout the weekend.
“The June evaluation events offer the opportunity for the high school coach and program to play a critical role in a student-athlete’s transition from high school to college,” said Karissa Niehoff, Executive Director of the NFHS. “The support of the NCAA for the criteria has underscored the importance of maintaining an education-based focus on event formats and in the selection of host sites. We appreciate the positive collaboration that we have shared with the NCAA and look forward to the implementation of successful June events.”
Each site will host 21-22 teams during the scheduled team events. Hosting the NCAA college academic workshops will be Danny Brooks and John Javis, well versed educators and speakers on NCAA Clearinghouse details. Parents are welcome to attend the workshops.
John Combs, SCBCA Secretary Treasurer and Westwood HS Head Boys Basketball Coach stated, “South Carolina high school basketball coaches are excited about the opportunity to showcase the high quality of high school basketball talent in the Palmetto State. We are thankful for the platform the NCAA and NFHS have given to high school basketball programs to allow their student-athletes to be seen in a scholastic environment during the summer. This is also a great opportunity for basketball fans to see the high-level team and individual talent in the same area over three days.”
SCHSL passes will be accepted and patrons will be able to purchase tickets with cash or online at www.gofan.co ($10 per day- good for all three venues each day). Concessions will be available to fans at each site.
Jerome Singleton, SCHSL Commissioner, states, “We want to thank all hosting schools, sponsors, volunteers and the South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association for all of the time and attention to detail to make this inaugural event a successful one for both our student athletes as well as our invited guests. The NCAA and NFHS are to be commended for bringing this event to our nation’s high schools to increase college enrollments and continued play for student athletes. Academics and athletics work hand in hand for the betterment of our student athletes’ future endeavors.”
For additional information, please visit www.archive.schsl.org .