For young athletes looking for opportunities to compete, there are two games in town: school teams or so-called “select” teams.

They each have their own positive benefits and drawbacks for players. School teams are known for helping young athletes create a sense of unity among a diverse set of players with various skill levels. On the other hand, select teams are known for giving players a chance to compete on a higher level on teams filled with elite athletes.

Because it is becoming more common for players on school teams to also play on select teams, Boys Varsity Basketball coach Jesse Hayes has worked to provide students the chance to compete in both.

Hayes said he is hoping to give Akins students the best of both worlds by helping to set up Akins’ own select basketball team with the American Amateur Union select team organization.

“First this team is for our players and I want to show the ones who never played on a select team and it’s important that they get a chance to play because come next year we’re going to need everyone to produce,” Hayes said.

Hayes told the select team  it will give them a chance to play at the varsity level before the actual school varsity season starts.

“Look guys, let’s understand something this team is for you guys, to show some of you what it’s going to be like to play on a varsity basketball team and to play against other varsity basketball teams,” Hayes said.

He said he wants his players to stay fit, healthy, and conditioned while they play on the select team.

“Also guys this team is going to keep us in shape so we can come back ready to go and be the best team I know we can be,” he said.  The team is made up of some returning junior varsity and varsity players as well as some incoming freshmen. The team is actually coached by graduating seniors Leroy Bryant and Donald Akers. The students are the coaches because school coaches cannot technically serve as select team coaches.

“I’ve never coached before so I’m excited to help Coach Hayes out and coach up my fellow teammates and show them things from my perspective,” Bryant said.

Bryant and Akers divided up the coaching work, alternating responsibilities based on their availability.

“Well first I’m glad that I get to coach some of my old teammates and share the game with them from my eyes,” Akers said.

This select team is more affordable than most select teams. Some AAU Select teams cost any where from $150 – $300. It only costs $20 per tournament.

“I remember my mom used to pay $200 for me to play for a AAU team but, I’m glad Coach Hayes started this team because now she’s paying 10 times less than usual,” said sophomore Jeremiah Brown.

The player’s feel confident that this season is the one they’re going to shine.

“Man…we’re going to be cold next year,” Brown said.