Cahaba Place, Cahaba Center play in basketball classic at Wallace
Published 4:07 pm Friday, February 17, 2017
- Arthur Rhodes goes up for a shot against defender Joe Wilson during the Cahaba Center Classic.
Basketball teams from Cahaba Place and Cahaba Center squared off Friday at Wallace Community College Selma. Cahaba Place took home the victory in a thrilling 86-56 comeback win.
“I enjoy it. They get a kick out of playing, and I’m glad I can do my little bit,” said Kenneth Wilmer, counselor at Cahaba Mental Health and coach for the Cahaba Place basketball team. “It just gives me a good feeling, and I can see that everybody enjoys this. It’s not about competition, it’s about us getting together and enjoying what we do.”
It may not be all about winning, but Cahaba Place team member Edward Robinson didn’t hold back his excitement.
“I would just like to say that Cahaba Place is number one,” Robinson said. “I’ve been watching basketball ever since I was a kid. I’ve been playing for a long time. This wasn’t my best game, but I did pretty good today though.”
Tracy Vaughn, home manager and special Olympics coach at the Cahaba Center, said although his team lost, they still had a great time playing and showing off for the crowd.
“It gives them an opportunity to be just as normal as everybody else,” Vaughn said. “It is very exciting. They like to play ball, and it gives them an outlet.”
Joe Wilson, a player on Cahaba Center, said he loves playing ball.
“I enjoy playing basketball for Cahaba Center Selma,” Wilson said. “I had a good time on the court. I love basketball. I love playing on this team and the Special Olympics team.”
About 80 students from Dallas County High School made their way out to the court to cheer on the two teams. The student council, boys and girls basketball teams, members of the band, cheerleaders and the Beta Club were there to show their support.
“I think it’s good for Cahaba Center to have spectators at their event, and it’s also good for the kids to give back to their community and be here. Plus, it’s just a lot of fun for us,” said Chris Turner, history teacher and student council sponsor for Dallas County. “This and the [Special Olympics] track and field day are two of my favorite days of the year.”
