Spectators from Modesto to Madera gathered at Los Banos Valley Community School on Feb. 6 for the second annual John Sykes III Memorial Basketball Tournament, where 12 high school teams from across the Central Valley participated in the competition.
The day-long tournament showcased student athletes from eight schools, including Elliot Alternative Education Center, Yosemite High School, Sequoia High School, Roselawn High School, Madera, Floyd Shelby School, Los Banos Transitional and Los Banos Valley Community School. Schools were allowed to enter multiple teams into the tournament.
Yosemite High School in Merced claimed first place, with Roselawn High School from Turlock in second and a second team from Yosemite High School in third place.
Individual honors were awarded at the event, with a student from the Yosemite High School and a student from Elliot Alternative Education Center each receiving the John Sykes III Excellence Award for sportsmanship and leadership. Nevaeh Urias from the Yosemite High team won the three-point contest.
“I personally knew John Sykes, as do many staff members who had the privilege of working alongside him,” said Los Banos Valley Community School Principal Dana Reyes. “Seeing these players and schools come together to compete in the sport that meant so much to John — and took him so far in life — would have made him incredibly proud.”
The John Sykes III Memorial Basketball Tournament honors the legacy of local basketball star and coach John Sykes III. The annual event celebrates athletic excellence while highlighting basketball programs from alternative education high schools throughout the region.
