2009 JUCO-MLK Basketball Classic
Saturday, January 17th, at Mesa CC

With the inaugural event held last year, the JUCO-MLK Basketball Classic , in a short time frame, is deeply entrenched as an annual sporting event featuring the best in men's and women's junior college basketball in the state of Arizona. The MLK Basketball Classic Committee is proud to host this event as the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is captured along with the athletic prowess of 4 junior colleges: Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Phoenix College, Yavapai College and (host) Mesa Community College.

The committee strives to reach out to each schools' student-athletes, coaching staff, athletic department, administrators, faculty, cheer squads, parents, fans, and student bodies. We feel confident by involving all segments of the school, everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the event.

Here is the game schedule:

Saturday, January 17, 2009 @ Theo Heap Gym
(Mesa Community College, 1833 West Southern Avenue, Mesa)

The event doesn't only focus on basketball. One of the features of the event is each school will recognize someone from their campus or community due to this person's outstanding qualities and contribution to diversity. Past honorees have included school administrators, facility workers, food-prep specialists, community members, and boosters. In addition, students sing the National Anthem and dance studios or pom/cheer groups will perform at halftime in front of spectators. Lastly, three scholarships are awarded to deserving students at Mesa Community College due to their academic pursuits.

In addition, the MLK Basketball Classic Committee sponsors the following:

* Held at Wells Fargo Arena on the campus of Arizona State University, the 6th Annual MLK Basketball Classic welcomes Chandler Seton Catholic, Kayenta Monument Valley, Goodyear Estrella Foothills, Scottsdale Christian, Northwest Christian, Gilbert Highland, Phoenix North, Gilbert, and Gilbert Mesquite. Games begin at 1:45p on Monday, January 19.

* The 3rd Annual Tucson MLK Basketball Classic, which is scheduled at McKale Center on the campus of the University of Arizona, features Oro Valley Ironwood Ridge, Vail Cienega, Tucson St. Gregory, Tucson Desert Christian, Tucson High, Sierra Vista Buena, Tucson Santa Rita, and Mesa Mountain View. Games being at 1:30p on Monday, January 19.

The committee is confident the virtues of the MLK Basketball Classic solidify its stance as a mainstay of amateur athletic events in the state of Arizona. We appreciate your support today and in the future! Please be sure to check out the MLK Basketball Classic Official Website: www.mlkbasketball.org.