There is no mistaking the energy that sweeps across the city when the annual Rocky Mount Summer High School Jamboree comes to town. The electrifying hoops fest that aspiring young athletes look forward to has once again delivered an unforgettable two-day event that continues to grow in both popularity and scale.
The fifth edition of this basketball extravaganza, brought to life by the dedicated teams at Rocky Mount Parks & Recreation and the Rocky Mount Event Center (RMEC), showcased the athletic talents of high school Junior Varsity and Varsity teams from 18 counties across the Tar Heel state. This year saw a record 56 teams light up the court on June 25-26, seven of those from Twin County (Nash and Edgecombe counties) area schools.
“This event was back and bigger than ever,” beams Ashley Pittman, Marketing Manager at the Rocky Mount Event Center. “Each year we’ve been thrilled to see an increase in participation. We started with 18 teams in 2021, and last year we had 39 teams participating. It’s an exhilarating sight to see these talented kids compete across our seven courts.”
The event is more than just a basketball tournament– it’s a community celebration! When the athletes weren’t shooting their shots, they could enjoy free access to RMEC’s arcade and a bounce house. And as a bonus, the Level Up Gaming team was on site offering a mobile gaming experience.
“The city of Rocky Mount’s Parks & Recreation department and our team at RMEC have worked tirelessly to ensure that this year’s Jamboree is the most exciting yet. Our ultimate goal is to create a memorable experience for everyone involved– from the players, coaches, and schools to the fans and community members who come to support.”
The excitement culminates in awards for the best male and female players, presented by Choice FM, a proud sponsor of the event. Pittman added, “We aim to recognize and reward these dedicated young athletes. They are the future of the sport.”
The Jamboree symbolizes the city’s commitment to fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity through organized sports. The event also provides a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents and hard work while competing for their schools.
“We are incredibly proud to be part of an event that brings so much joy and excitement to our city,” concludes Pittman. “Year after year, we’ve proven that together, we’re making a slam dunk impact on the community… and we can’t wait to see what next year brings.”
