8 Balla Hoop Insider would like to Introduce the Hoopstate to new formed travel ball club Team Hickory.

How did you come to form Team Hickory?

Team Hickory was born out of the need to give talented kids in our area an opportunity to be think beyond our area to make an impact on society. We have a lot of talented athletes that don’t get the opportunity to be seen because they do not have the resources to travel to Charlotte, Winston, Greensboro, Raleigh or Fayetteville to try out for teams. With our focus on service, it gives our athletes the opportunity to give back and influences our area in a positive manner by giving back. Our athletes will do community service doing our off-weeks throughout the travel season. 

What do you want to accomplish with this endeavor?

Our main focus is education and service, teaching our athletes longevity—not only on the court but in life. Breaking generational gaps as well as the lack of education in our area and improving opportunities for long term success off the court. Our long term plan is 50 college graduates in 10 years. 

What type of Travel ball schedule will you play?

Our 14U-17U Men will play the Phenom Schedule, will our middle school playing in higher level travel tournaments.

What age groups will there be?

 We will field 12U-17U, with local development and 3x3 leagues to really teach the game to the lower age groups.

Will this be for boys and girls?

This will be for boys and girls—our area produces a lot of talented women who do not get the exposure they deserve.

Who will help fund this project?

Besides myself, we have three current sponsors, Modern Nissan of Hickory, Village Inn Pizza, & The Texer Group.

What date is your fundraiser golf event?

The fundraiser will be on October 13, 2018 at 9am. We will hold it at the Ole Still Golf Course in Hickory, NC.

How can parents or potential sponsors contact you?

Team Hickory can be reached via e-mail at teamhickorybasketballclub@gmail.com or 828-406-7709. You can also follow us on Twitter @hoopsthbc & on IG @team_hickory. 

Will you all have a website eventually?

We do have a website, www.teamhickory.org