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Team Na-Na, a local nonprofit organization that aims to create opportunities for area youth to showcase their talent through basketball, had one championship team and a runner-up in a tournament held in Gatlinburg, Tenn., on the first weekend of June.
The middle school team, which has been playing together for several years, won the championship game after battling back from two losses on the first day. “They were able to overcome the obstacles and finished strong, showcasing their true passion for the game,” said William Ware, coach of Team Na-Na, which was founded in 2019.
The fifth-grade team, having won 14 consecutive games before the Tennessee tournament, started the tournament well, with four wins in two days, before coming up short against an undefeated team in the finals.
“This group of young men deserve recognition for their hard work and dedication,” said Ware. “We have so much talent in our community and just want to highlight their hard work.”
Leading the middle school team in the tournament was JaMillion Jones of Staunton with 44 total points, while Kristopher Chambers of Lexington had 30 points. Also stepping up were Kyrin Dunn of Glasgow with 29 points, Tyshon Wilson of Lexington with 27 points and Marshall Clement of Goshen with 26 points.
Kendrick Wilson of Lexington led the fifth-grade team with 70 points in the tournament, while Jeremiah Wilson of Lexington scored 40 points. Contributing 15 points each were Malachi Rogers of Glasgow and Kai Matsumoto of Lexington.
Team Na-Na is having a fundraiser until June 26 to raise money for gym time, tournament fees and uniforms. Donations can be made by finding Team Na-Na at raise.snap.app or visiting the following locations to drop off funds or items: Vinyl Cuts and Edgewater Animal Hospital PC in Buena Vista and, in Lexington, Buck’s Barber Shop, Cindy’s Hair Salon, BB&T-Truist on U.S. 60 and the Rockbridge Area YMCA.
For more information on Team Na-Na, visit www.facebook.com/ Na.Na.Basketball.
