Every year during the second semester, 40 SDA school basketball teams from across the country join together in a competition at Andrews University. This year’s tournament was held on January 24-28. The teams not only compete towards a title and first place trophy, but get to enjoy bonding as a group whether it was during study halls or the sudden snowball fights that would leave the team breathless with laughter.

Beginning at 8 am that Thursday morning, teams competed in two separate gymnasiums. A Friday night vespers and a Sabbath service was held for all participants at Andrews University. Saturday night the games were concluded and an awards ceremony was held in which our

JV boys won second place, JV girls won third, Varsity girls won second place, and Varsity guys won second place. Overall, Collegedale Academy did very well at the Andrews tournament.

The basketball teams not only played in the competition, but got to enjoy hanging out with each other in various activities. JV girls went to Taco Bell one night after a long, exhausting day with no food. It was snowing at Andrews this year, and so snowball fights ensued in between games. 

Lela Tolbert is a Freshman on the JV girls basketball team. “My favorite parts of the trip to Andrews were screaming for the JV and varsity teams during the championship game, and the snowball fights that my friends and I had.” Coach White applauds the team, “The team fought hard in the tournament. We had some girls sick or playing hurt but they didn’t quit. I am proud of them for making it to the championship and the goal is to be back next year!”