Black Belt area teams had a strong showing in the 11th Cahaba Center Basketball classic Friday at Wallace Community College.

The Cahaba Place team, which is coached by Tracy Vaughn used an offensive explosion to post a 59-41 victory over the Cahaba ID Program A-Team to advance to the Special Olympics.

In the second half of the doubleheader, the Cahaba ID Program fell 35-23 to McGinnis-Montgomery in what became a defensive struggle down the stretch.

The Cahaba Id Program A-team will now move on to the state tournament.

The tournament, Cahaba Center for Mental Health and Mental Retardation Executive Director Lafon Barlow said the group is always excited to host the tournament.

“We are always grateful to host the Special Olympics Basketball Classic,” she said. “Our clients with intellectual disabilities enjoy the Special Olympics activities more than any of our other events.”

Community support, Barlow said, is crucial to keeping the tournament and other events going strong.

“We are concerned about our programs including our day habilitation and day treatment programs for persons in Dallas, Wilcox and Perry counties who are experiencing a serious mental illness, intellectual disability or problem with substance abuse as well as the 135 people housed in our residential group homes and apartments.”

The support the group does receive, Barlow said, is greatly appreciated. Wallace Community College always hosts the event at no cost and several volunteers from Dallas County High School and Meadowview Christian School also helped out.

Wyatt Sanders has also helped coordinate the events and recruited students to referee the games and work the clock.

Barlow reminded everyone the Dallas County Special Olympic track and field events will take place April 19 at Memorial Stadium from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 418-6544.