The CIAA basketball tournament is known to bring out the ballers and celebs and this year was no different. In addition to the hardwood action, parties, concerts, step shows, and town hall forums provided a little something for everyone.
On Thursday, a career expo was held where employers, recruiters, graduates, and current students from CIAA member schools could network and discuss potential employment opportunities. Later that day, a Teen Summit was held discussing healthy lifestyles and prepping students for college and life beyond.
The day before the champions of the tournament were crowned, a town hall forum entitled “Building Equity & Inclusion” was held as a part of the CIAA’s community engagement programming. Presenters included Kevin Merida, E.I.C of ESPN Undefeated; William Gibson, Student Ambassador, Young Black Men; and Nevin Caple, CIAA Diversity & Inclusion Consultant & Managing Director of LGBT SportSafe. Additionally, the 3rd Annual CIAA Shoes of Hope was held at Merry Oaks Elementary School where shoes and socks were collected for students at a selected elementary school.
On Saturday, Brittany Lamb of Elizabeth City State University took the title of Miss CIAA 2017 while the ladies of Johnson C. Smith took down Virginia State 68-59 to win their first conference title since 2009. Blaire Thomas took home tournament MVP honors as she contributed a solid effort of 14 points and 9 rebounds. The Bowie State Bulldogs took home the Men’s title with a 62-54 win over Fayetteville State University. Ahmaad Wilson took home MVP honors after a 20-point effort.
Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams had the following to say regarding this year’s tournament:
There was an experience for everyone who attended tournament week. We hosted free, fun-filled activities for families looking to spend time together; great basketball action for sports fans, community service programs attendees volunteered for; and official events that ranged from concerts to our skate party and step shows. Whether it’s our new initiatives furthering our commitment to engage and empower the community, or events that appealed to the various generations attracted to our tournament; we wanted to make sure we provided them with an experience that keeps them returning year-after-year.
Flip through the pages for sights from this year’s events.