Avery Organizes a Family Affair

Will Avery, his family, and many close friends spent their Thanksgiving day at the Sand Hills Community Center preparing and serving food to those in need of a holiday meal.  Thursday's "Hoops4Hunger" food drive was the culmination of a nearly week long project organized by Avery.

The process began Saturday when Avery, Laney High assistant coach Buck Harris, former Augusta State star Keenan Mann, and several other volunteers conducted the Hoops4Hunger basketball clinic at Evans Middle School.  Boys and girls of all ages attended the four hour session and learned the fundamentals of basketball.  Each player donated 10 canned goods.

Avery, his wife Chasity, his mother Terry, Chasity's grandmother Claudine Williams, and family friend Robert Moss then saw to it that the canned goods, turkeys, and deserts were prepared before Thursday morning.  With the help of Sand Hills Community Center director Brandi Robertson and close to 20 volunteers, this family affair became a community affair.  Close to 60 meals were served at the center Thursday morning.

The Avery's and the other volunteers certainly performed the best kind of community service today. And the video footage (above) of the group serving the meals clearly shows the joy that comes from such an act.  And I suspect the experience was especially enjoyable because of the assistance of all of the young children.  They seemed to be happy to serve on the holiday.  And those children have wonderful role models!

Will Avery Fall League: Kentucky vs Michigan State

With 4-1 regular season records, Kentucky and Michigan State sit at the top of the Will Avery Fall League standings.  The teams meet today at 11:30 A.M. at Greenbrier High School.  Michigan State won the first matchup between the teams after Maurice Demmons' long three pointer in the final seconds of overtime.  Check back for details about this game and others during the day!

Free Skill Sessions: A Special Opportunity

A Full Gym Early Saturday

The fourth Saturday at the Will Avery Fall League started early with two skill development sessions.  With attendance approaching 100 total boys and girls, organizers have added an extra session to meet the demand.Many involved are amazed at the turnout at such an early time.  "I can't believe this many kids are here at 8 A.M.!" remarked former Augusta State player and coach Buck Harris.

But according to organizer William Avery, the coaching contributions of Harris and his former Augusta State players Adam Miller, Keith Harrison, and Chad Cook help make the free sessions well worth attending, no matter the time.

Avery explained his reasoning to the young players gathered near half court after the first session: "How many of you have the goal of playing college basketball some day? One great thing about these sessions is that you are learning from people who all played at that level."

And the versatility of the staff showed as the high school boys took the court at 9:15 A.M. Working with more experienced and advanced players, Harris, Avery, and Cook challenged them with appropriately difficult work.

"I tried to show the group the way someone who wants to be a great high school, or even college, player approaches his time in the gym," said Cook, who also coaches a high school basketball team.

And the players met the challenge admirably. Over thirty young men, almost all of whom were scheduled to play in league games beginning at 11:30 A.M., practiced with great enthusiasm. And the weekend work is apparently not a burden to the youngsters.

"One of the guys who was here at 9:15 and later played in a 2 P.M. game shook my hand and thanked me as we were leaving the gym," Cook explained.

The boys and girls participating in the Will Avery Fall League free skill sessions and league play are apparently having a great time while learning a good bit.

Will Avery Discusses Fall League

What does the Will Avery Fall League Look Like?

Watch the video below for a visual of the Will Avery Fall League.



Will Avery Fall Basketball League (General) Schedule
When:  Saturdays, September 8 - October 27
Where:  Evans High School
Free Skill Development Sessions:  8 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. (High School and Middle School Players, boys and girls)
League Play:  3 games, beginning at 11:30 A.M.
Admission (to League play, not the Skill Sessions):  $5
Full Concessions Available (Beginning September 15)

Will Avery Fall Basketball League Opens with a Bang!

The Will Avery Fall Basketball League opened its eight week season Saturday, September 8.

Avery, a former Duke University star, opened the day with an 8 A.M. "skill development session," free of charge to any high school or middle school players (boys and girls).  Avery and his assistants were somewhat surprised by the number of players who attended the early morning session.

Avery, who along with former Augusta State standout Adam Miller instructed the high school players during the skill session, was impressed by the attendees' willingness to sacrifice a weekend morning to learn more about the game.  "We had a great workout this morning and I was glad to see so many kids come out at 8 A.M. on a Saturday morning. That shows their commitment to getting better."

And former Augusta State players Chad Cook and Keith Harrison were pleasantly surprised by the number of middle school players in attendance for the skill session, especially because league play only currently features high school players.  "We only started to communicate the free skill development sessions Tuesday night.  So to have over 25 players, and 15 in the middle school group alone, was great to see," said Cook.

After the morning session and a short break, league play started with a bang as Roderick Demmons' buried a half court shot to give his "Michigan State" squad an overtime victory over "Kentucky."  And after three well played games, everyone involved is looking forward to an exciting stretch of games throughout September and October.

And ABR Live, a league sponsor, was present Saturday, capturing much of the action on film.  Highlights will be posted here soon.

Will Avery Fall Basketball League (General) Schedule
When:  Saturdays, September 8 - October 27
Where:  Evans High School
Free Skill Development Sessions:  8 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. (High School and Middle School Players, boys and girls)
League Play:  3 games, beginning at 11:30 A.M.
Admission:  $5
Full Concessions Available (Beginning September 15)

Contact Information (for questions about team entry, skill sessions, volunteer opportunities, etc):  
Chad Cook
(706) 550-2229
cookchad08@gmail.com