PINSON, Ala. (TRIBUNE) – On Saturday, the Pinson Valley Indians basketball team hosted the first-ever Caleb White Tip-Off Classic, a full day of basketball games held at both Pinson Valley High School and Rudd Middle School.
According to Johnny Sanders of The Trussville Tribune, the day was packed with basketball games, but it was about much more than that. “As long as I am around, no one will wear number one at Pinson (Caleb White’s number) and we will never forget him,” said Pinson coach Darrell Barber.
At halftime of the day’s second game (Midfield vs Fultondale), Barber gave the floor to Caleb’s family. Cedrick White, Caleb’s father, spoke first. “We really miss our son,” said Mr. White. “I want to let everyone know that Caleb was not only a phenomenal basketball player but he was a phenomenal person and student. He touched many lives. Lives I didn’t even know he touched. To this day, people give me encouraging words. He was such a hard worker. I can tell so many stories about his effort. He would be here at 5:00 am in this gym working. When we got him a car, I would think he was out doing other things, but I could come up here at 8:00 at night and look through the window and there he was. No one saw what he did behind the scenes. His academic credit goes to his momma. He couldn’t play without his grades.”
His mother, Charletta, said, “I thank everyone for this. Yes, we miss him but Caleb’s purpose was fulfilled. He was really a loyal friend, great son and phenomenal student. He had to get his work and playing basketball was a privilege. To the kids out there, get your lessons before sports. Thank you to Coach Barber. He continues to be there for us and we appreciate all he is doing to keep Caleb alive
Cedric also added, “When we were looking for a place for Caleb to play and we met this coach (Barber), Caleb said he was coming here. His brother went somewhere else and played, but Caleb wanted to come here. We were both hard on Caleb and I knew he was in good hands with Coach Barber. I thank him for being an extension of me, but for taking Caleb to his highest potential. Thank you, coach.”
Coach Barber said, “It means a lot to me. This is something we have been planning for a few months. My coaching staff and I have been working on it and it’s great. We are just trying to keep his memory alive. Not just to Pinson, but to everyone who knew him. We will not have the jersey on the chair like last year because he would not be on this team anyway. We just want to keep his memory alive.”
The first game of the day saw fellow Tribuneland team Clay-Chalkville get a 64-30 victory over Park Crossing as Victor Odiari, who recently signed with UAH, led the team with 16 points. Raymon McCants had 10 and Devon McKinnon had seven.
In the third game of the day, the Pinson Valley girls (2-3) took on 4-1 Pleasant Grove. Despite a gritty performance by the Lady Indians, Pleasant Grove improved to 5-1 with a 46-38 win. Alissa
Hawkins led the Indians with 13 points, followed closely by Somer Rayn Addison with 12.
“Our motto this year is ‘grit,’” said Pinson coach Tamara Wills. “Every day and game we try to play with grit. We lack in some fundamental skills, but we played with grit. I’m not into moral victories, but I am proud of my girls for the way they played.”
Gills’ girls will host Paul W. Bryant on Tuesday. The Stampede are 2-1.
Following the girls, Barber’s boys took their 2-0 record into a game against Oxford, who was also 2-0. It was a classic that ended with the Indians dropping their first one of the year as Oxford outscored them late to get the 52-47 win. Quay Lynch had a scoring explosion with 20 points, followed by Jalen Pritchett with 11.
The Indians, now 2-1, will travel to take on 3-0 Spain Park on Monday.
After Pinson’s boys’ game, the other Tribuneland team who played, the Shades Valley Mounties, dominated the Pelham Panthers 61-47. Jeremy Chatman led all scorers with 25 points.
The Mounties will take on St Clair County on Thursday night at home