By Callie Honeycutt, Social Media Editor and Noah Kinnisten, Sports Editor
The third annual Good Guys vs. Cancer tournament weekend has concluded and, to say the least, it was a huge success.
This fundraiser featured 13 high school basketball games in the First Flight High School gym, with all different levels of competition –everything from local favorites to nationally ranked programs.
Alongside being a load of fun to attend, the tournament also has raised a substantial amount of money for cancer research each year it has been held since athletic director and boys basketball coach Chad Williams began the event in 2018. This year’s event netted a donation of more than $5,000.
“We exceeded my expectations,” said Williams, who named the event in honor of his father, Guy, who lost his battle with cancer just weeks after the first tournament took place. “As the founder and coordinator of the event, to see the amount of money we’re going to be able to send the American Cancer Society, that makes me very proud. It was the biggest, the most teams, the best talent and the best help I’ve ever had.”
Basketball sponsors Phenom Hoops/The Hoop State Network hyped up the event on Twitter, with highlight-reel dunks from top college recruits getting tons of play. Title sponsor Albemarle Landscapes and Tree Service and other community partners – Ramada Plaza, Hilton Garden Inn, Twiddy Real Estate, CooperHawk Realty Group, Dare County Sheriff’s Office, Island Xpertees, GoodMeasure Graphics, Pizzazz Pizza, Dare Devils Pizzeria, Stack ‘em High, Capt’n Franks and Dare County Schools – helped ensure a successful event.
Williams said he’s already heard from a number of coaches asking to join the event next December.
“I’ve already had multiple teams contact me that weren’t here that want to come next year, including some real heavy hitters from different states, and everyone who was here said they want to come back,” Williams said.
The success of this year’s event was even more gratifying because COVID-19 forced FFHS to cancel the event last year.
“I think there was some apprehension, not knowing where we would be with COVID,” Williams said. “Knowing if we would be shut down, if we’d have to wear masks, if teams who were playing would have to wear masks, would people come if they had to wear masks and would it make people feel comfortable if they weren’t?”
Masked fans crowded into the stands from the opening tip Friday at 4:30, and by the time the Nighthawks took the court Friday night, the stands were packed. FFHS closed Friday night against Henderson Collegiate with a 71-59 victory before losing on Saturday night against Kinston High School, 76-58.
For players who were participating in their final Good Guys vs. Cancer weekend, the event reinforced the faith they have in their team.
“I think our team played well,” senior Cason Smith said. “We didn’t win both games like we were hoping, but we all played hard and we put on a good show for everyone, especially on Friday night.”
This was the first game Smith has been allowed to play this season after returning from quarantine.
“It felt really good to come back in such an important game,” Smith said. “I was extremely excited and thankful to finally be able to play again.”
With new team members every year, tournaments like this teach teams about their strengths and weaknesses and what they can do to better themselves on the court for the rest of the season.
“Both games were great, even though we lost one, because we learned a lot about ourselves as a team and grew from it,” junior Isaac Dobie said. “I learned how to stay focused under a hectic atmosphere.”
Another bonus for the FFHS players hosting the tournament was having the chance to watch those electric teams duke it out on the court.
“Moravian Prep vs. Word of God was definitely the best game to watch,” Dobie said of the game just before FFHS took the court Saturday, “because of the atmosphere, the talent level and the media coverage all combined.”
Good Guys vs. Cancer also gave students a chance to come out and support their team and appreciate the other stars in the gym. The student section was filled to the brim with students cheering louder than ever.
“It was so fun being able to actually stand with my friends in the student section,” senior Aubrey Holland said. “Being a cheerleader, I never get to do that, and it felt more alive and exciting.”
For the players, coaches and fans, the weekend was a massive success, full of two wonderful things: cancer research and basketball.
“I think it was fantastic,” Williams said. “As the basketball coach, watching the talent that was in the gym and watching the people get really excited and appreciating really good basketball – for me, that was amazing.”
Senior Callie Honeycutt can be reached at 22honeycuttca54@daretolearn.org
Senior Noah Kinnisten can be reached at 22kinnistenno93@daretolearn.org
