Hoops, Dreams & Goals Tips Friday

BIG SPRING - Ten teams from the Permian Basin take center stage Friday in an all-day extravaganza at Big Spring's Dorothy Garrett Coliseum for a day of basketball competition and entertainment.

By the conclusion of the Annual Darrell E. Smith Hoops, Dreams & Goals basketball tournament, one team will stand at center court with the top prize, said West Texas Centers CEO Shelley Smith.

“We crown one winner but every person is a winner,” Smith said of her annual event. “The entire day is about learning to be the best person you can be, whether it's a scorer or a passer or a re-bounder or the most enthusiastic cheerleader on the bench.

It's all about bringing out the best in yourself and more importantly the best in others.” Hoops, Dreams and Goals started more than 19 years ago to coincide with the most magical time of the year in college sports, Smith said. “March Madness embodies teamwork, good sportsmanship and it's chock full of so many side stories that thrill competitors and fans alike.”

“I've said this before and I'll say this again, but I smile the entire day,” Smith said. “It's just the best day of the year for me AND for these athletes and their supporters.”

“If you want to turn your day into a positive experience, you will come watch them perform.” Players, cheerleaders and dance team members will walk down the ramp onto the floor at Dorothy Garrett Coliseum behind the beat of the Big Spring High School and Forsan High School Drumlines.

Howard County Judge Randy Johnson and Mayor Bob Moore will officially welcome players, supporters and fans during a brief introduction and the Big Spring Golden Bells will perform before the first ball is tipped at 9 a.m.

The event is held in March to highlight Intellectual Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

Teams will include the Big Spring Heat; Monahans/pecos Warriors; Snyder Wildkatz; Seminole Pink Panthers; Ballinger Longhorns; Abilene Bombers; Odessa Tigers; San Angelo Bobcats; Midland Panthers; and the Sweetwater Red Rattlers.

“We are so fortunate to have the Big Spring Cheer team, the Coahoma Boys Basketball team and the Forsan Student Council to help the West Texas Centers staff throughout the day,” Smith said.

“It's a huge production that needs many hands to assist with officiating, scorekeeping, ensuring all West Texas Centers consumers are fed and provided hydration throughout the day.

We are excited to get the youth of our community involved with this special day.”