LAUREL —
The Laurel City Council recognized the accomplishments of some of Laurel’s youth during its recent meeting.
The City Council formally recognized and congratulated the Laurel Elite Travel Basketball Teams and the Laurel Jones County All-Star Baseball Teams for their recent accomplishments.
Randy Pettis, the CEO and founder of Laurel/Jones County Elite, said the competitive youth basketball program provide opportunities for players throughout Laurel and surrounding areas.
The mission of Laurel-Jones County Elite is to be a community based volunteer organization with a purpose to expand the horizon of young people. The primary goal of the group is to successfully provide young people the opportunity to pursue a degree of higher education at the college level.
“We emphasize life education and life skills as equal partners to sports development of student athletes,” he said. “We emphasize skill development in players. ... We try to create an environment of fun through hard work and enthusiasm.
Pettis said the youth basketball program was designed to provide youth boys ages 11-14 a recreational outlet during the spring and summer months while also providing a great educational and athletic experience.
Because of the group’s work ethics, the Elite 13 and under team has played in more than 13 tournaments between March and July and have placed in 12 of the 13 events. Of the 13 tournaments, the team placed first in seven of the tournaments and second in four.
Pettis said the group is about more than basketball.
“The boys are learning new basketball skills that will make them better players, enhancing their social skills and enjoying the experience of meeting players from other cities,” he said.
Donte’ Paicly is the general manager and tournament organizer for the team while Pettis, Broderick Hall and Wesley Bender serve as coaches.
The 11 year olds and under team members are Skylar Holden, Jordan Jones, Akerion Rogers, Thakarius Keyes, Malik Castons, Ronald Parker, Juwan Weathersby, Keishawn Harris, Scott Phillips, Sedric Wheaton, Phillip Weathersby, Jamarus Fisher, George Stover and Brandon Jones.
The 12 year olds team members are Kobe’ Drummer, Landyon Brown, Keon Howard, Dionte’ Keys, Jaylen Lindsey, Keontae Jones, Jujuan Reed, De’Angelo Gibson, Trey Skelton, Octavious Cooley, Devon Jones, Taheim Quinn and Jalen Buxton.
The 13 year olds team members are Jonnas Spivey, Bruce Stevens, Kenton Cooley, Rickey Holden, Jeremy Henley, Shemar’ Keys, Rakwon Pettis, Darrius McGee, Ty Robinson, Alex Marks, Tarus Barnes, Cutler Darby, Marquillis McCullum and Tay Ulmer.
On behalf of Laurel Mayor Melvin Mack and the Laurel City Council, Councilman Trey Chinn, chairman of the council’s recreation committee, presented certificates to officials and members of both – the Laurel/Jones County Elite Travel Basketball Teams and the All-Star Baseball Team.
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Related Photos
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The Laurel City Council formally recognized and congratulated the Laurel Elite Travel Basketball Teams for their recent accomplishments. Pictured are members of the Laurel City Council and the Elite Travel Basketball Team. Photo/Eloria Newell James
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The Laurel City Council formally recognized and congratulated the Laurel-Jones County All-Star Baseball Team for their recent accomplishments. Pictured are members of the Laurel City Council and the Laurel-Jones County All-Star Baseball Team. Photo/Eloria Newell James
Council honors local youth squads
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