I arrived through the back door of the gymnasium of
Melrose (Memphis, Tenn.) High School two hours prior to the boys basketball MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the National Guard, in which we honored the boy’s basketball team for finishing #11 in the nation according to the MaxPreps Freeman rankings. I couldn't help notice the excitement the school expressed to me when I told them I was there for the National Guard National Ranking trophy presentation. This ceremony was going to be a little different then the others; Melrose had gathered past state champion coaches, players and alumni to attend the huge pep rally.
Having followed Melrose basketball games throughout the year and reading about them on MaxPreps.com, I already knew the intense school spirit was a tradition at this Memphis-based school. I spoke with a few Alumni, who told of the local community’s pride, and how they had not missed a single basketball game all season. My next item on my agenda was to find boy’s basketball Head Coach Jermaine Johnson or as he is better known as, Coach JJ. After he introduced himself, coach expressed how privileged he was to be recognized on a national level, and also told me of the five 2010-2011 season tournaments he had already lined up to contend for the #1 national spot. As I went to set up the Tour of Champions display in the gym, Sgt. Geoffrey Wright of the Tennessee National Guard came in with the trophy and commemorative t-shirts.
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As 1:15pm drew near, it was time. The Golden Wildcats student body filtered into the gym. The National Guard then distributed commemorative Tour of Champions t-shirts to all the basketball players in the locker room. Prior to the ceremony beginning, the school band got the crowd riled up and dancing while the school’s flip team put on their performance. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation as the Athletics Director, Mr. Robert Newman, welcomed the students and expressed his thanks to MaxPreps and the National Guard. He told a few stories regarding the team and past stories regarding the Alumni present at the rally. He then introduced Tennessee resident Murphy Fair of MaxPreps to share his thoughts on Melrose’s tremendous season.
Following Murphy, Sgt. Wright spoke about the players being leaders; not only on their teams, but in the classroom and in life. Melrose basketball had a team of scholar athletes and Sgt. Wright wanted to make sure they were recognized for their actions off the court. When Sgt. Wright was finished, the coveted trophy was handed off to Coach JJ. Coach followed with a sincere thanks to the students, MaxPreps and the National Guard. He spoke about not only the 2010 season, but what to expect in 2011. He reminded the school that with their help and support, these guys can achieve anything. Coach JJ hopes to win each of his planned tournaments next year with the goal of being #1 national from over 21,000 basketball teams.
We followed the ceremony up with pictures, media interviews with key players and coaches and some good laughs. It was a great finish to a great season! Go Golden Wildcats!
