Almost two years ago people in the Brownfield Independent School District took to the election polls and decided to pass a $40 million bond to build a new high school and do some other renovations, plus get some new equipment for the district. The bond election passed easily. After the passage of the bond, many people in the community and BISD staff became excited about the endless possibilities of having the new school. Recently BISD Superintendent Chris Smith went to social media to ask what would be a good name for a basketball tournament hosted by BISD. Of course there were several answers and Smith will take all in consideration.
Once the new high school is finished, there will be two new gyms at the new campus, which will make a total of six throughout the district. In the new high school, one will of course be the competition gym for varsity basketball and volleyball. The other gym will be a full-size basketball court for practicing. Both girls and boys trade off gyms throughout the week to practice during basketball season. As most know, Brownfield is what some consider a “basketball school”. Throughout Brownfield ISD’s history, basketball has been a sport at which both the boys and girls programs have excelled. So it’s no wonder that administrators for BISD would like to see a good high school basketball tournament be held here in Brownfield. Many years ago, the Lions Club hosted a large tourney that attracted teams throughout the area, and state.
With all these available facilities, BISD can hold a good size tournament. After this past season of not being allowed to have tournaments, due to COVID-19, even on the regional and state levels, most school districts are ready for some tournament action this upcoming year. Smith has already come up with the idea and has begun to reach out and make plans. Not long after the bond passed, Smith envisioned having the tourney. “When we proposed the bond to the community we pledged to do our part to bring people to our community using the facilities. We are working to stick to that promise and make BISD a hub for HS and community events.” Smith said.
Now the plans have begun to put in place a basketball tournament for next season. Although BISD knows it’s coming, there has not been a date set in stone yet. However that is not going to discourage what has been done so far. Smith said, “It’s going to happen and we are very excited. We are starting small with a varsity boys’ and girls’ bracket and a sub varsity bracket as well.” Smith is not the only one excited about this opportunity. First year head boys basketball coach Zayne McPherson said, “We are excited about it! It will be a great promoter of our community and our program. Plus, the new facility is going to be one of the nicest in West Texas so it will be a great opportunity to have some teams in and hopefully start to grow the tournament into one of the best in our area.”
Other than just the tournament itself, there are a few things to consider as well. Back in the Summer of 2020, due to the coronavirus, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) put a moratorium on a rule that kept school districts from live streaming high school football games. This prompted BISD to acquire the equipment so the school could broadcast the Cubs football games live through the lens. When this happened, Smith mentioned how the live streaming will become “not just a sporting thing, but an educational thing.” Smith hopes to have the tournament broadcasting live, specifically for those parents and other who want to watch a certain game but cant because they are at work or else where. In early January, Smith spoke with TownTalk about the education possibilities that they have with producing and working with this equipment. He indicated how this should give students experience and help teach them new things about mass communications, especially if they are looking into those type programs post graduation.
Another important factor of hosting a tournament is the economic impact it could have on Brownfield. With the sales tax revenue dropping tremendously during the latter part of 2020 and early part of 2021 because of COVID, a tournament could help recoup some of what has been lost.
Brownfield Mayor Tom Hesse is grateful for the possibility of having a tournament. He said, “I’m excited and I’ve told Mr.Smith the city would do what it can to help, plus other organizations in community. Also when folks go to the restaurants and convenience stores, it only helps us as a community.”
Brownfield Chamber of Commerce Director Lorena Valencia echoed Hesse saying, “I think it is an awesome idea that will benefit the hotels and local businesses.”
Smith also is anticipating for this to become an annual event for Brownfield. “Hopefully it evolves into a yearly tournament that serves lots of teams.” said Smith.
For now if you want to be involved with helping name the tournament then go to BISD’s Facebook page and let them know.
