PORTSMOUTH, VA (WTKR) – It’s no secret that the 757 has plenty of athletic talent, and that basketball talent was on display Sunday at Churchland High School.
Local stars returned to Hampton Roads for the “Home is Where the Heart Is” basketball event. Organized by Norfolk State assistant coach Steven Whitley, the event brought back some of the biggest names from recent years. The event included a three-point contest, a slam dunk contest and a full game.
“Finally, all the pros are back together in one place,” said Joe Bryant, who excelled at Lake Taylor High School and Norfolk State. “There’s a lot of good competition, a good atmosphere and we’re just here to put a smile on people’s faces.”
Bryant was joined by players such as David McCormack, Matt Coleman, Marcus Evans and Briante Weber. Local vendors and a food truck were on hand as the event celebrated the success of the area’s basketball community. Whitley also hopes it can inspire the next generation.
“I think it’s a great day for the community in general,” McCormack said. “I hope they get recognition for the basketball talent in the area and just a sense of togetherness in the 757 Tidewater area. A lot of people come back to this area to put on a show.”
It was also a day to give back. The winners of each competition received $1,000 each to donate to their high school programs or a charity of their choice. The teams were named after the late local basketball players Ashley James and SaBastian Townes.
Whitley hopes this inaugural event will become an annual tradition and continue to grow in importance.
