For the third year, the Columbus High School boys basketball team will clash with a team coached by Mayor Robert Smith to help raise money for cancer research.
The Falcons and the Possum Town Trotters will face off at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Columbus High School Gym. Tickets for the Possum Town Throwdown, an annual Relay for Life fundraiser, are $5 for guests 5 and older. Proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society. The event raised $1,740 last year.
CHS will be looking for payback this year, after the Trotters defeated the Falcons 73-69 at last year’s Throwdown. Both teams have one win each–the Falcons beat the Trotters 73-54 in 2015.
First-year CHS head coach Gary Griffin said his team will have fun but isn’t taking the Trotters lightly.
“Every day, we have an athletic period where we’re still working, still doing a lot of things with our guys in terms of getting them ready not only for this game but for future games as well,” Griffin said. “They will be ready for the game on Thursday.”
Smith, however, said his team will be looking for another win on Thursday.
“We’ll be looking to break the tie,” he said.
This year, Smith said, he’s going for size to help power his team to victory.
“We don’t have the quick guys — we have some big truck drivers,” he said.
This year’s Trotter team features Orlando Smith, Benn Perryman, Jasmine Hairston, Rickey McCollum, Fitzgerald Roby, Willie Whitfield, Chad Altmyer, Steven Harrison, Joseph Mickens, Tyrieke Mallard, Javarris Jackson, Trey Monroe and Dispatch Managing Editor Zack Plair.
The Falcons’ roster includes Chris Blair, Dorian Brewer, Jaborris Frazier, Dante Harris, Denijay Harris, Tyrin Johnson, Greg King, Tijay MCrary, Jamarcus Moore, Jonte Williams, Kaderius Williams, Quintavian Williams and Robert Woddard.
Both coaches encouraged the community to come out and support the fundraiser.
“We know that athletics brings our community together,” Griffin said. “We want the community to come out — we want kids to come out and support what’s going on. They can see not only guys who are currently playing for Columbus High School, but guys who played years ago.”
Smith, likewise welcomed everyone to the game.
“We’re looking forward to a good game and encouraging all our citizens to come out and attend,” Smith said. “It’s for a good cause.”
How to go
What: Possum Town Trotters vs Columbus High basketball game
When: Thursday at 6 p.m.
Where: Columbus High Gym
Why: Relay for Life fundraiser
Tickets: $5 for ages 5+; can be purchased at the door or online at http://bit.ly/2n75TMT
Alex Holloway was formerly a reporter with The Dispatch.
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