Playing for a purpose

By Jeremy D. Smith (Contact) | Demopolis Times

Published Tuesday, January 13, 2009

By JEREMY D. SMITH

jeremy.smith@demopolistimes.com

Demopolis Middle School basketball coach Rollie McCall has an opportunity to help an old friend benefit a good cause Saturday when he takes his team to Livingston.

“Marcus, he and I go way back,” McCall said of his long-time friendship with Marcus Campbell, the Livingston native and former University of Alabama basketball standout responsible for organizing the Basketball Gala Head Start Recruitment Day that will take place for the sixth consecutive year this weekend.

“Principal (Clarence) Jackson and Coach McCall, they stand by us every year,” Campbell said. “Demopolis Middle School is coming in and stepping up as they always do.”

The event, which will feature four basketball games and a three-point shooting contest, is designed to raise funds and support for the Head Start program in Livingston.

“We just want the public to come out and support the Head Start program,” Campbell said. “These teams, the coaches and schools have taken time out of their busy schedules to come and play for (Head Start).”

McCall said the annual event is a source of joy for him.

“For a cause like this, I feel like we can sacrifice to help each other,” he said.

“We’re happy to be a part of something like that, and we’re proud of (Campbell) for trying to organize something like that. It means a lot to us because I want to personally help and I want to be able to give back to a school system that gave so much to me.”

The event, officiated free of charge by the West Central Officiating Association, will tip off at noon at the Nelson Hughes Gymnasium at Livingston High School.

The first game will see Demopolis Middle School challenge York West End Junior High. Game 2 pits Aliceville against North Sumter.

The third contest features Carver Junior High and Kinterbish, while the nightcap sees Paramount challenge host team Livingston Junior High.

After the second game, one player from each team will compete in a three-point shooting contest.

“It’s just going to be a great day of basketball,” Campbell said. “Come out and support people who are giving their time, talent and treasure for a bigger and better cause.”

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