Tournament Time for Parks and Recreation's Bo Kilgore Basketball League

Avery Parks and Recreation held the final games of its season-ending basketball tournaments for the Bo Kilgore League (2nd-8th grade) on Saturday, March 27.

Many parents and fans came out to the Rock Gym and to the Newland Elementary gym to cheer on the teams.

Participating in this year's league were 244 students 2nd through 8th grade comprising 31 teams, said Robbie Willis, Parks and Recreation director. That's up about 15 from last year.

It was the first year the league fell solely under the responsibility of the Parks and Recreation department. The league has retained the Bo Kilgore moniker, named for the man who helped to organize youth basketball in Avery County and coached as well. Other than schedule issues rising from winter weather, things have gone smoothly this season.

"It's been great," said Willis. "It's been better than expected."

Here were the winners from Saturday's action, as well as the runners-up (coaches in parentheses):

Girls:
2^nd-3^rd grade: Winner: Riverside (Nadine Arnold). 2nd: Crossnore II (Adrian Crowe).
4^th-5^th grade: Winner: Banner Elk (Art Williamson). 2nd: Crossnore II (Joanna Garland).
6^th-8^th grade: Winner: Avery II (Tammy Daniels). 2nd: Avery I (Ashley Bare)

Boys:
2^nd-3^rd grade: Winner: Riverside (Teddy Johnson). 2^nd: Freedom Trail I (Jack Pittman).
4^th-5^th grade: Winner: Freedom Trail II (Stephanie Pritchard). 2^nd: Riverside (Teddy Johnson).
6^th-8^th grade: Winner: Avery I (Jeff Lyons). 2nd: Cranberry (Chase Clark).