Councilors Roberson, Tyson and U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell among early supporters
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Wenonah High School Varsity boys’ basketball team petitioned the City of Birmingham recently to support their efforts to attend the 11th Annual MaxPreps Holiday Classic in Palm Springs, California. The event is slated for December 26-30, and is projected to be one of the top 10 high school basketball tournaments in the nation. Birmingham City Councilors Jay Roberson and Sheila Tyson invited the team to make a presentation before the City of Birmingham at the Tuesday morning’s council meeting.
Several councilors pledged to make financial contributions to help the team participate in the tournament, including: Birmingham City Councilor Jay Roberson – $2,500; Birmingham City Councilor Sheila Tyson – $1,500; U.S. Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell – $1,000.
“We’re grateful to have a Mayor, City Council, and community members who support our schools and what we’re trying to do,” said Cedric Lane, head coach for the Wenonah boys’ basketball team. “Their contributions will make it possible for these kids to get some national exposure, and compete at a higher level.”
City Councilors Steven Hoyt and Valerie Abbott also promised to make a contribution. Jarvis Patton, Chief Operations Officer for the City of Birmingham, said that after the final fundraising tally was complete, the Mayor’s Office would look into covering any remaining costs.
The MaxPreps Holiday Classic is an invitational tournament reserved for the top 25 basketball teams in the country. Wenonah finished last season ranked #17 in the nation. Al.com recently named Wenonah’s star point guard, Justin Coleman, as the top player in the state. He is credited as the “guiding hand on Wenonah’s unprecedented third consecutive Class 5A state title last season.”
“These young men have shown an intense dedication to their sport and have made our community so proud,” said U.S. Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell. “I know that they will represent us well in California, and I wish them continued success on the basketball court and in their future endeavors. Go Dragons!”
