New church inbound basketball league finishes first season

By Patricia Everette / Special to The Star

April 12, 2008 12:43 am

— A vision became a reality on Jan. 5, 2008 under the leadership of Tammy Shadwick, a dedicated member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, who later became known by the planning committee as the "Commissioner."
Ms. Shadwick shared the vision of a church basketball league in a church business meeting in the previous year. The idea was accepted by the Pastor and the other members and a committee was formed in order to ensure the league would become a reality.
Original committee members of the Inbound league include: Tammy Shadwick, Roosevelt Carter, James Norman, Billy Malone, Melvin Walk, Melvin Wilson, Patricia Walk-Everette and Teena Walk. Members from this group met regularly to focus on eligibility, guidelines, sponsorships, rules, and most importantly purpose, which was to build self-esteem and leadership skills in youth, teach them about Jesus and to save lost souls. This Christian emphasis was evident each week, which aligned with the league's overall purpose. The weekly words included: Sportsmanship, respect, responsibility, caring, honesty, effort and choices.
The excitement on the participants' faces was enough to know the league would be a success the morning of the league's opening game in which a festive opening ceremony included a parade of the athletes. The following individuals that participated in the first season included Kayla Carter, Charia Baylor, Veronica Sturdivant, Christopher Walk, D'Nashia Walk, Deandre Cole, Diego Alford, Ace Alford, Jr., Sara Brewster and Kendrick Walk.
Rev. Gregory Baylor serves as Pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. He provided support and leadership from the beginning until the close of the season that ended on March 1. A special closing ceremony was held in which the league participants were honored with special certificates and medallions followed by a reception for their participation.

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