DMS Hoops for Heart raises $7,000

One of Demopolis Middle School’s favorite annual traditions proved another slam dunk for heart disease Friday as the Hoops for Heart event netted more than $7,000.

The event, which allows students to raise funds in order to get out of class and spend the day in the DMS gym engaged in basketball activities, garnered $7,309.56 for the American Heart Association.

“The way the economy is right now we knew we were going to be down a little bit from last year,” event organizer Jesse Bell said. “I think they gave a great effort. Our young kids did a great job. Our sixth graders raised the most money. We will give them a pizza party when we get back from spring break.”

Students who raised at least $25 for the charity were allowed to spend the day in the gym competing in events such as a four-on-four basketball tournament and a three-point shootout.

The sixth grade quartet dubbed Dream Team won its four-on-four tournament. That group consisted of Anthony Walker, Keyjun Gracie, Alexander Besteder and Michael Spencer.

The Blue Knights won the seventh grade four-on-four tourney. That team included Malik Moore, Xavier Jowers, Dee-Dee Davis and Shakari Williams.

The eighth grade team of William Wilkins, Justin Williams, Xavier McShan and Jamar Collier – known as the Clippers – won its four-on-four draw.

The sixth grade three-point shootout winner was Antonio Besteder. The seventh grade winner was Andrew Patterson. Julie Rembert won the shootout for the eighth grade girls while Jamar Collier won for the eighth grade boys.

“They did a phenomenal job. We all got out and shot some hoops to help save lives. That’s what it’s about,” Bell said.