FRANKLIN
Last year, the Franklin-Southampton Alumni Basketball Game accomplished a couple of things. One, it packed the Franklin High School gym full of people who had a good time. And two, it raised $1,200 for the Franklin Broncos football program.

This year, it’s back to do much of the same and more, said Lakenneth Kindred, who is organizing it.

“It’s always a big show,” he said of the event that’s in its fourth year. “It’s just an overall good time. There’s a little bit of competition, but at the end of the day, it’s just for fun and to get everyone back into the rivalry and give back to the community.”

Last year, Franklin won both the men’s and women’s events. Franklin’s hoping for a repeat, but Southampton players are also ready to bring their best.

Some of the players for Franklin include James Holeman, of the class of 2002, Valdez Artis, ’01, and Ricky Taylor Sr. of the ’90s. The women’s team includes Ebony Thompson, ’07, and Ashley Keys, ’07.

On Southampton, Javon Worrell, ’99, Antonio Banks, ’98, and Denise Ricks, ’99, will be participants.

Alumni cheerleaders will also be on the court cheering.

Kindred said there would also be contests that fans could participate in, such as the half-court shot, the three-point contest, the dance contest and the slam-dunk contest.

With the exception of the slam-dunk contest, it costs to enter the events. Kindred said not as many people are likely to participate in the dunk contest, and he figured it was mostly for show.

“Not everybody can dunk, but if you can — come join in,” he said, and added that someone was coming from North Carolina to participate, though he wants it to be a surprise who will attend.

So far, Kindred said that Valdez Artis has won the three-point contest three years in a row, and he’s looking to repeat. It costs $3 to enter that contest.

Last year, 3-4 people hit from half court. It costs $1 to shoot, and you get $5 if you make the shot.

Kindred said if you want to enter one of the contests, be there by 4 p.m., as it is first-come, first-served.

DJ Total Reck will be the emcee of the event that will also have a 50/50 rally and some giveaways for children and adults. Kindred said they will be giving away five bicycles, and for the adults, gift cards. The 50/50 raffle is $1 to enter, and if you win, you get half the pot.

The event starts at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, in the Franklin High School gym. It’s $5 for adults, $3 for players and children ages 6-12, and children 5 and under enter for free.

Kindred said he hoped to see even more people this year.

“It’s Christmas time, and it’s a good time to get together with family, friends and classmates,” Kindred said. “And this event has a good atmosphere. It’s good for all ages and a good event to bring the community together.

“I think the rivalry is starting to come back, judging by the last football game of the season. I hope to see you there.”