Bob Jones Girls Basketball Headed To The “Valley Of The Sun”
MADISON- Three weeks from now the Bob Jones girls basketball team will be basking in what is known as the “Valley of the Sun.” The Lady Patriots were invited to participate in the NIKE Tournament of Champions in Phoenix, Ariz. and will be among 128 elite teams from across the country when the action is held Dec. 17-22.
“We are all really excited and extremely grateful for this opportunity to travel to Phoenix and compete against teams from all around the country,” said Jazmine Carr head coach of the Lady Patriots. “This experience will not only help us all grow on the court, but off the court as well. It takes a lot of hard work to rebuild a program and for us to get an invitation to the elite tournament just shows this program is headed in the right direction.”
The team is made up of four seniors, two juniors, three sophomores and two eighth grade student-athletes and is into the current season with a chance to improve on its remarkable 30-4 record of a season ago. What made the 2022-2023 season an exceptional outing was the fact the squad did not have a senior player on its roster. Carr did a phenomenal job of leading her young squad through her fourth season as head coach. Now in her fifth season, Carr is looking to her more experienced roster to continue its quest to make it to the Class 7A State Championship Game.
“We have a very tough schedule, including the NIKE Tournament, and I’m excited to see how we compete each game and grow throughout the season,” said Carr.
According to the fifth-year head coach of Bob Jones, the team has earned enough money to make the trip out west, but are still accepting donations and team sponsorships to help fund team meals and team bonding activities while the girls enjoy the trip of a lifetime. Funds already raised have assisted in the necessary transportation and resort accommodations costs. The estimated total cost of the entire experience is around $25,000 to visit the 11th most populous metropolitan in the United States.
Carr expressed her appreciation for funding already raised for the trip, but indicated sponsorships and donations to help the student-athletes are still being accepted by contacting her at jpcarr@madisoncity.k12.al.us.
“This is an amazing opportunity for these girls and I’m excited for our staff, players and parents will get to experience this one-time opportunity,” added Carr.
