15th Annual Basketball Academy sponsored by State Farm Attracts Thousands to Coppin State

Feb. 1, 2011 - PRLog -- (Baltimore, MD) – Over 6,000 fans attended the 15th Annual Basketball Academy presented by State Farm January 20-22 at Coppin State University. Millford Mill boys defeated City College (52-43) in the final match-up of the Academy, which immersed 20 high school basketball teams in cultural and educational activities and competitive basketball matches. This year, the Basketball Academy relocated to the new Physical Education Complex at Coppin State University from its previous location of Morgan State University’s Hill Field House. Coppin’s close proximity to the Baltimore Light Rail and public transportation enabled residents from throughout the region to enjoy the tournament.

“The NCAA Rules and Regulations Informational, Rites of Passage and SAT sessions were tremendous for my team,” said Chris Dawley, Assistant Coach of the Willingboro High School Girls Basketball team from Willingboro, New Jersey. “Most of the girls were really into the cultural portion, such as the visit to the Reginald F. Lewis Museum.”  

Other programs included gang awareness, bonding programs with local middle and elementary school students, and sessions on financial literacy. Then on Saturday, January 22, 40 middle and high school students joined the Academy for an SAT skills session with John Swann of Dayton, Ohio.

“We accomplished the goals we set out for academics and athletics. It was a win-win combination. The Basketball Academy is unique.  I don’t know any other academy or tournament that has the features we offer in terms of cultural, educational and athletic experiences,” said Basketball Academy Co-chair Warren Hayman.

About the Basketball Academy
The Basketball Academy is the largest and most-successful program of its kind - immersing high school athletes in academics, financial literacy, NCAA Rites of Passage, cultural enrichment and competitive basketball tournaments. The Academy is a 501(c) 3 organizations that aims to prepare students for the SATs and college process, while exposing middle and high school players to competitive basketball teams from Baltimore City; Baltimore, Anne Arundel and Harford counties, with special-invited teams this year from New Jersey and North Carolina. The Academy was made possible by State Farm and a committee of volunteers from The City of Baltimore, the Baltimore Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the 100 Black Men of Maryland, Inc. More information can be found at www.bballacademy.com.

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