By Patricia Walk-Everette

special to the star



The date was Saturday, Jan. 10. The location was the Shiloh Baptist Church Family Life Center. The event was the season opener for the church’s Inbound Basketball League’s second Season.

A large crowd was on hand to cheer the 40-plus players gathered for the Opening Ceremony as the League Coordinator and Founder, Ms. Tammy Shadwick, stepped forward to welcome and thank the participants, parents, coaches, referees, cheerleaders, on hand to an exciting season of basketball. Her excitement was almost overwhelming as she shared the growth of the Inbound League, which began last year with only10 players! Wow, what a difference a year makes!

Every Saturday morning the Family Life Center was filled with excitement while three divisions came out to this Christian based league whose purpose is to build self-esteem and leadership skills in youth, teach them about Jesus and to save lost souls. Weekly words of emphasis included Sportsmanship, Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Honesty, Effort and Choices. The participants range in age from 6-17 and were divided into three divisions: The Golden Ambassadors (Age 6-8); The Royal Lioness and Lions (Age 9-11); and The Maroon Crusaders (Ages 12-17).

The league held its closing ceremony on March 7 and recognized each player with a certificate of participation, medallion, and photo. Supporters of the league who provided financial donations (James Norman) or In-kind services throughout the season were also recognized. The referees for the season were Roosevelt Carter and Billy Malone. Season Coaches were Rev. Gregory Baylor and Assistant Coach Tommie Curtis (Golden Ambassadors); Rev. Ronnie Walk and Stephanie Walk (Royal Lioness and Lions) and Kenneth Heidelberg and Melvin Walk (Maroon Crusaders). Committee members of the Inbound League include: Amanda Carter, Roosevelt Carter, Patricia Walk-Everette, Joyce Irby, Billy Malone, James Norman, Deborah Norris, Brenda Phillips, Tammy Shadwick, (Founder and League Coordinator), Lisa Walk, Melvin Walk, and Stephanie Walk. Rev. Greg Baylor serves as pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church.