Over Thanksgiving week, the boys basketball team bussed down to Washington, MO to play in the 68th annual Turkey Tournament, where they took home the championship title, starting their season 3-0. Senior Jalen Hampton won tournament MVP, while Brandon Ming and Carlton Thomas made the All Tournament Team. 

“Winning the tournament felt great because my teammates and I have been working hard to accomplish something such as that,” Brandon Ming, senior, said. “We just have to remain humble and hungry, there is more to come.” 

This was U. City’s first time in the tournament since 2011 and perhaps it will set the tone for the season.

The standout player during the tournament was 6-foot-7 forward, Jalen Hampton, senior. He slammed three dunks during Saturday night’s championship game, bringing home a team high 26 points. 

“It felt great to win the Borgia Thanksgiving Tournament,” Kelvin Lee, head coach, said. “I am so happy for our U. City community, administrators, assistant coaches and players. The championship game was emotional for me. We matched up against Fort Zumwalt North led by my son, K.J. Lee. He did his part,19 points, but U. City got the win.” 

Lee was extremely impressed with the way Hampton played. 

“He has a phenomenal performance for the three day event,” Lee said. “Clearly the most athletic player in the tournament.”