256-205 Challenge Basketball Games Set For Upcoming Season
A battle on the basketball court between the two cities of Huntsville and Birmingham has been scheduled and will carry the title of The 256-205 Challenge presented by Bryant Bank. The matchups featuring 16 teams are part of a two-year agreement for the Challenge.
FRONT PAGE FEATURED, James Clemens High School, Madison, Madison County Record, Schools, Sparkman High School, Sports, Z - News Main
 By  Bob Labbe Published 
6:07 am Sunday, September 25, 2022

256-205 Challenge Basketball Games Set For Upcoming Season

MADISON- An eight-on-eight boys high school basketball event like no other is set to highlight the magnificent talents of 16 teams from two of the state’s four area codes. Bryant Bank, in conjunction with the Alabama High School Athletic Association and Knight-Eady, a Birmingham-based sports events agency, is hosting the first 256 vs. 205 Challenge.

The battle between eight selected teams from each of the area codes will face teams from the opposing area code in games Jan. 16-Feb. 2. The squads will represent the Huntsville area versus the Birmingham metro. Over the course of two weeks, the teams will clash in an attempt to earn points for a victory toward its overall city’s score. At the completion of the two weeks one city will be crowned champion.

“We got this idea from last year’s Border Battle held at one location as we like the idea of a city versus city as we feel it’s better to play these games at the high schools,” said Summer Hall of Knight-Eady. Meanwhile, Michael Eady, President and owner of Knight Eady, said, “We’ve hosted similar battles, but all have been at a neutral site. This year, we’re taking it one step further and bringing the games back to the schools because there’s nothing like having your community and student body behind you as you battle between some of the best programs in the state.”

“It excites me to know we get to play a Birmingham school and I’m up for the challenge,” said Will Hawkins (G, 6-4, 160, Sr.) of Sparkman High which will host Birmingham’s Ramsay High on Jan. 24.

The complete Challenge schedule includes: Jan. 16- Vestavia at Muscle Shoals, Grissom at Oak Mt.; Jan. 17- Huntsville at Pinson Valley; Jan. 20- Haleyville at Midfield; Jan. 24- Ramsay at Sparkman; Jan. 28- Shades Valley at Gadsden City; Jan. 30- Spain Park at James Clemens; Feb. 2- Thompson at Florence.

“This is a great situation for all the teams involved as some say Birmingham has the best basketball in the state, but we have something to show them in this challenge and I’m up for the idea of giving the people what they want to see,” said Frankie Sullivan head coach of James Clemens. “This has always been a football state and this is a chance to show it can be a basketball state, too.”

The Jets just missed a Class 7-A state title in a last second 66-64 loss to Enterprise in the state championship game in the 2021-2022 season. A chance to redeem themselves against the visiting Jaguars will be the order on Jan. 30 as the Jets have two starters and eight players overall returning from last season’s state runner-up squad.

“Spain park will be well coached as they will be tall and very athletic, but I feel we’ll be up for the challenge,” said Sullivan. “Our players feel as though they want to finish the job. They have been great in their off-season conditioning and practice. They each understand it’s the little things that matter and they are excited about this game against Spain Park as they want to play against the best possible opponents and Spain Park will be one of those.”

For the Sparkman Senators, 24-9 a season ago, the Challenge game versus the Rams (5-A) is the chance to play a different classification and a school they normally would not face.

“I love the idea of playing someone new and I feel our team can take on the challenge,” said Sparkman sophomore Kahleel Green (G, 6-4, 170, So.).

“I know Ramsay is a great team, but this is a chance to represent our area as this is important to us and a pride thing for me personally,” added Hawkins, the only returning starter for Sparkman.

Chase Bell (G, 6-4, 170, Sr.) one of three seniors for Sparkman, added, “I feel I’m filling the gap in rebounding and other areas for our team and the game against Ramsay in the Challenge will come down to who wants it. I’ve got the fight in me for this game.”

Jamie Coggins, head coach of Sparkman, feels the caliber of basketball in the Huntsville area (256) can play with any team in the Birmingham area (205).

“Anything to try to promote our sport is what I like about the Challenge,” said Coggins, in his 11th season as Senator’s head coach. “I like the idea of seeing different teams and players and I’m pleased with our team through the summer and I’m looking forward to it.”

The 16 teams involved signed a two-year contract for the Challenge as the teams will play a home-and-home series.

“Ramsay better bring its A-game and better be ready,” said Hawkins. “We’ll be ready.”

Also on The Madison Record
Tri-agency traffic enforcement targets speeders on I-565
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
By STAFF REPORTS 
July 16, 2025
MADISON  – In a united front to crack down on excessive speeding, the Huntsville Police Department (HPD), Madison County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and t...
Local athletes set for North-South battles
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Bob Labbe 
July 16, 2025
MADISON - Some of the top rising senior high school athletes are about to invade the Alabama Capitol City of Montgomery July 21-25 for the 29th annual...
NASA, Orion to host Marshall’s 65th anniversary celebration this Saturday
A: Main, Events, Madison County Record, ...
Staff Reports 
July 16, 2025
HUNTSVILLE - NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is inviting the community to help celebrate the center’s 65th anniversary during a free public event ...
Chamber needs nominations for ‘Military Family of the Year’
A: Main, Business, Events, ...
Gregg Parker 
July 16, 2025
MADISON – Madison Chamber of Commerce is encouraging residents to identify a family who has upheld a strong commitment to country and community. The c...
ADOC: Health care worker tried to smuggle meth, narcotics into correctional facility
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Staff Reports 
July 16, 2025
LIMESTONE COUNTY - A health care employee was arrested Friday for allegedly attempting to transport almost 200 grams of methamphetamine and other narc...
Central Office values Becky Tucker as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
Madison County Record, News, Schools, ...
Gregg Parker 
July 16, 2025
MADISON – Becky Turner doesn’t get hung up on labels. No matter her job title, Tucker feels called to be a servant leader. Her colleagues at Central O...
Brett Burgess named ‘Teacher of the Year’ at James Clemens
Madison County Record, News, Schools, ...
Gregg Parker 
July 16, 2025
MADISON – Brett Burgess wanted to work in Madison City Schools for association with the best in his field, both academic and coaching. James Clemens H...
Olivia Skillern named James Clemens theatre department’s artistic director
Bob Jones High School, Madison, Madison County Record, ...
Gregg Parker 
July 16, 2025
MADISON – For Olivia Skillern, it’s ‘as if I never said goodbye’ (to quote a line from “Sunset Boulevard”). With her new job in the Theatre Department...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Our Latest E-edition
Latest Stories
YUM! Spicy yet savory poppers
MADISON - Your guests won’t be able to have just one of these sweet and savory poppers. With a touch of heat from the cayenne pepper, and sweetness fr...
July 16, 2025
poll