Fielder's Choice
Athletes love to compete. They play to win.
But our kids can learn a lot more from playing sports and being a part of a team.
Saturday, Jan. 22, the Holly Springs High School Hawks made at trip to the 30th annual Hotbed Classic in New Albany. It’s played at the historic Memorial Gym in the downtown area. It’s a very prestigious high school tournament.
This year’s entire lineup at the Hotbed included East Union versus Tupelo Christian Preparatory School, West Union versus Walnut, Holly Springs versus Myrtle, Ingomar versus Belgreen, Ala., Nettleton versus Deshler, Ala., Saltillo versus Pontotoc, Southaven versus Jonesboro, Ark., Madison Ridgeland Academy versus Memphis-area Home School Association, Bartlett, Tenn., versus Hueytown, Ala., and New Albany versus Winfield, Ala.
I did not get to attend the tournament this year. But I know there was a lot of supreme high school basketball talent on the court in those 10 games.
The Holly Springs Hawks rolled to an 88-50 win over Myrtle.
But their success that day went far beyond the court.
The day after the tournament I saw this post on Twitter, written by Susie Holland.
“Today (Saturday, Jan. 22) was the Hotbed Classic in New Albany. Lots of ball teams came to eat at Westside BBQ. I want to brag on two teams. The team from Holly Springs had the most polite and respectful group of young men. The other team was from Saltillo. They also were so polite and respectful. Well done parents and coaches for teaching these kids respect. If anyone knows boys, parents or coaches from these teams, please tag them.”
I immediately forwarded it to Andre Jones, head coach of the Holly Springs Hawks, and shared it on The South Reporter’s Twitter account.
Her comments got a lot of positive feedback, from her original post, and from The South Reporter’s, too. It was shared by many and given a “thumbs up” by a lot of folks.
Wins are important. There’s nothing quite like competing for championships and winning them. For sure, all of our teams in Marshall County, over the years, have won their share of trophies. And they continue to compete at a high level.
But when the high school athletes are praised for their behavior that takes it to an even higher level as far as accomplishments. What our children take away from high school sports goes far beyond the game itself.
This lady in New Albany didn’t go to the game. She only saw them at a restaurant. She knew nothing about their talents on the basketball floor.
But what she witnessed and praised while they were enjoying a meal together as a team is a credit to the young people themselves, their parents, their teachers, their coaches, school administrators and so on and so forth. It leaves a lasting, positive reflection of the entire school.
I’ve covered high school athletics in Marshall County for 21 years. I’ve been on hand for many state championships. Those memories are special.
But what I remember most is the kids themselves. It’s wonderful watching them achieve great things, both on the court and off.