By Marla Jones, Sports Editor

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The Annual Old Timers Basketball Tournament kicked off last week with 21 teams made up of over 170 players from DeKalb County. Fans were treated to 34 games, totaling 37 hours of basketball.

All proceeds from the tournament will go to the Long Ranch 4 Boys. The Long Ranch 4 Boys is a non-profit organization that serves as a place for boys ages 5-18, who need hope and help in a difficult situation. The ranch provides at risk-boys with a solid family structure while equipping them to be Godly men in their home and community.

Winners of the Old Timers Basketball Tournament were: The Sylvania Men and Women’s team both won the Pro-Amatur Division tournament. Plainview Men won the 30 & Under Division of the Tournament and Fort Payne Men won the 30 & Over Division.

“The Old Timers Basketball Tournament is the 'Tournament of Tournaments' and only the real old timers make it,” said Paul Long of the Long Ranch 4 Boys. “Our attendance was great this year due to the number of teams participating.”

The Long Ranch 4 Boys will host the Fifth Annual Old Timers Football Game on April 7, 2018 at Fyffe High School. The game will begin at 7 p.m. “This year, the game is personal will be the theme,” said Paul Long, who plays for the South.

This game is personal for me, as well, because I will be making my debut as a cheerleader for the North Badgers!

Please make your plans to attend and help a great cause.