Wednesday, July 23, 2008 | midnight
The first basketball games tipped off at 10 a.m. on July 22, but Boulder City High boys basketball coach Bobby Reese was too busy to notice.
He already had a couple hours under his belt preparing the gymnasium for the opening day of the Reebok Summer Championships. Reese is the site director at the high school, one of eight sites throughout Southern Nevada hosting games.
“It’s a lot of work for two days,” Reese said. “I don’t get much of a chance to watch, but I want my guys to watch as much as possible.”
Reese isn’t the only member of the Eagles basketball program involved. The players work as score and time keepers, ticket takers and in concessions.
The players and parents who volunteer are paid by Reebok and they donate the money to the high school program. Reese said the program will earn $2,400 from two days of games.
“It’s a great opportunity for a fundraiser,” he said. “I asked the seniors what they want to do with the money and they said they wanted new warm-ups, so they’ll get them. Last year we got new uniforms with the money.”
This is the third year the school has hosted games — there were 24 teams and 36 games July 22 and 23. Teams came from Arizona, California, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Wisconsin, Virginia and even Canada.
“We get to show off Boulder City,” Reese said.
Colorado Chaos 16s Green coach David Matthews said he was impressed with the facility.
“This is a good gym. We should have a good time while we are up here,” Matthews said.
One of the perks is the number of college coaches, scouts and recruiters who attend.
Foothill, the tournament headquarters, hosts the premiere teams and draws the largest crowds and coaches, but Boulder City also managed to draw its share of big-time skippers.
Last year, Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan made an appearance, as did an assistant from Arizona. Reese has also met coaches from UC San Diego, San Diego State, Idaho, Boise State and Utah State.
“Occasionally the bigger schools come out, but we usually see the smaller Division I schools,” he said. “I know they’re here for these guys, but if I have a player I want them to see, I’ve got their business card.”
Shortly after 11 a.m., the first two games of the day ended, including one on a game-winning three-pointer.
“We’re just getting started,” Reese said.
Brent Hinckley can be reached at 948-2074 or [email protected].
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