Legacy basketball hosted their inaugural tip-off event on Oct. 29. The event kicked off with performances from the cheer and drill team before introductions for every team. Every boys and girls team from freshman to varsity received cheers from their supporters. Girls varsity head coach, Michelle Morris, coordinated the event with boys varsity head coach, Ben Kinnison. The teams also held their media day prior in the evening, adding this event to boost morale for the season opener.
“We’re just trying to promote more school spirit,” Coach Morris said. “We are trying to get everybody involved and get ready for the kickoff for the new season.”
Following the introductions, girls varsity held a brief scrimmage against each other. After the girls played, boys varsity joined in the action with a scrimmage of their own. Supporters and fans watched the games giving the teams a glimpse of the home environment for the upcoming season.
“They got out here and had a little fun, and I just wanted them to kind of relax and have fun with it today,” Coach Morris said. “I’m excited about the future.”
For senior Leajah Maddox, this first time event holds extra weight with this season being her final year.
“To do this for the first time with this group of girls, it feels surreal,” Maddox said. “Being able to connect with the community and playing basketball [with the team].”
Coach Kinnison’s team comes into this season with two returning players from last season’s sub .500 team. The tip-off event allowed for a teambuilding element to go along with the positive atmosphere in the crowd.
“It’s about letting them get out and have fun and let everybody see them. It’s almost a totally new team from last year, letting them put on their new uniforms for the first time and having a little fun while competing,” Coach Kinnison said. “Just getting some of those first crowd jitters out of the way, but as much as anything, just endear them to all the people that support them.”
