The Scorpions basketball program has undergone a slight makeover since new head coaches Greg and Jackie Strickling were hired this year, and with it comes new ideas and events to get the community and players more involved with each other.
The Sedona Red Rock High School boys and girls basketball teams hosted the Scorpion Classic on Nov. 21 in the SRRHS gym. The Stricklings came up with the idea as a way to introduce the programs to the city of Sedona, as well as the players’ family and friends, while raising money for the basketball teams.
“I think the night was a huge success for both the boys and girls basketball programs,” said Jackie Strickling, the Scorpion girls head coach. “We raised a couple thousand dollars that will be used for apparel, equipment, tournaments, etc.”
The evening started with an introduction of the girls team followed by a girls inter-squad game.
The game included four 10-minute quarters in which the girls were able to show off their skill and talent, and they weren’t holding anything back just because they were playing each other.
In between the quarters and at halftime, fans and players had opportunities to compete in different competitions. Fans could buy raffle tickets for $1 each, and if their number was called they were called to participate. The different competitions included a pumpkin pie eating contest, dodgeball, a paper plane contest, a Hula-Hoop contest and a half-court shot contest.
“I think the players had a great time, and I believe the fans enjoyed it as well,” Strickling said. “We plan to do more competitions like this during halftimes of the season games to include the fans as much as possible.”
After the girls’ game the boys were introduced, and just like the girls they showed off their talents in their own inter-squad game.
Throughout the event, a bake sale and silent auction were happening. Each player made home-baked goods for the bake sale and put together a silent auction basket for fans to bid on. Some of the silent auction items included four tickets to a Phoenix Suns game, movie night baskets, spa and massage baskets, candle baskets and
For the full story, please see the Wednesday, Nov. 28, issue of the Red Rock News.
