THE FOLLOWING IS A NEWS-GAZETTE STORY BY JENNIFER BAILEY
ABOVE: Jason Henton, left, and the middle school champs at last
year’s Dustbowl Basketball Tournament in Danville.
DANVILLE — This is third year for the annual Dustbowl basketball tournament at the Boys & Girls Club of Danville this week and weekend.
The young club members get a chance to see the game action up close in the club’s gym.
Tournament Coordinator Jason Henton said with the club closing at 5:30 p.m., the club members then come back and watch the games starting at 6:30 p.m. all week long.
“They play in the games as well, and they watch their friends,” Henton said.
The tournament started with two games Monday night and continues through Sunday with the championship games.
The high school division, also with some middle school players, plays regular games through Thursday. There are adult men’s games too.
This is Henton’s 11th year as coordinator. He also works at the Boys & Girls Club.
The summer tournament is in its 51st year.
The games are free for the public to attend at the club, 850 N. Griffin St., Danville.
Henton said he was told the “Dustbowl is always free.” It’s been important to keep it that way, he said.
He too said the Dustbowl is an important event annually in the community.
“It’s something that has been here now for a half century,” Henton said.
It’s always fun to have the youth play in front of their home crowd, he added.
These are players who maybe didn’t make their high school team.
“Not all the best kids make it on a team. It’s an opportunity to really showcase their talents. They come out and play and have fun with each other,” Henton said.
This is a time to “just really enjoy” the game, he added.
The Boys & Girls Club members help set up the risers and chairs before the tournament begins. Then they just “come out and support and cheer on their favorite players,” Henton said.
Last games of the night start at 8:30 p.m. Games on Saturday start at noon. Sunday’s championship starts at 2:30 p.m.
