Kerr’s death sparks memories about Selma’s once proud franchise

The following is the first in a two-part series about the Selma Cloverleafs.

By George L. Jones

The Selma Times-Journal

The Francis Marion basketball team this weekend will continue a tradition that is more than a decade old.

The Rams’ Thanksgiving Tournament will begin today at 4 p.m. and end with the championship game Saturday night.

Rams basketball coach and athletic director Woodie Jackson is proud of the fact that some of the best basketball teams in the state have played in the tournament over the years.

It will mark the continuation of a tradition and will be a highly enjoyable event for hoops fans.

“This area produces the best basketball in the state,” Jackson said. “In Perry County, between us and R.C. Hatch, we have 14 state championships. There are several other teams that have played in our tournament that have gone on to win championships. The brand of basketball we play is second to none.”

Today’s games begin at 4 p.m., starting with a matchup between Demopolis and Greene County. Wilcox-Central and Livingston, R.C. Hatch and Greensboro and Marion and a yet-to-be-determined team will follow in the nightcap.

The losers and winners will play Friday. The championship game at 7:30 p.m. Saturday will be preceded by the third-place game at 6.

This is the seventh year the Rams have played host to the tournament in their gym. Until 2000, the tournament was held at Wallace-Selma.

“No doubt, we will have some very, very competitive ball,” Jackson. “Normally, we have Selma and Southside, but they have been tied up in the past few years.”

Marion-Demopolis

The Rams opened their season with a 53-47 win over the Tigers Tuesday night.

Marion’s Edward Hinkle led all scorers with 16 points.

Justin Johnson had nine points, four rebounds, three steals and five assists. Deandre Williams had seven points and six rebounds, and Charles Gray had six points and six rebounds.

Patrick Robertson led Demopolis with 13 points, and Shantrell Braxton had 13.