Fans pack NISH gym to see locals play pros
Published 6:00 am Sunday, February 4, 2018
- Children play a game after one of the quarters Saturday night during the WECNA Allstars competition against Flight Squad at NISH.
An excited and enthusiastic audience packed New Iberia Senior High School’s gymnasium Saturday evening when the WECNA AllStars faced off against the Flight Squad basketball team.
The family entertainment was provided courtesy of the West End Council of Neighborhood Associations, a group that brings in basketball troupes each year to New Iberia for the enjoyment of parents and children alike.
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“It was a great event,” WECNA fundraising chair Warren White said. “It was perfect. This is what I love to do.”
The team facing off against Flight Squad consisted of a mix of New Iberia public officials, business leaders and other notable figures in town. State Rep. Blake Miguez, R-Erath, Iberia Parish President Larry Richard, New Iberia City Councilman Marlon Lewis and Gilbert “Doc” Thomas with AllState Insurance were among the WECNA AllStars.
For the past three years, WECNA has coordinated basketball entertainment events in New Iberia in different schools around the city. This was the first time the game was played at NISH.
The local players spent almost an hour practicing in the gym before the game began, showing off some of their skills to the crowd that was filtered in.
“Do you need a photo op?” Senior Vice President of Community First Bank Larry Hensgens said with a laugh.
More than 100 people watched as Flight Squad demonstrated a mix of athleticism and goofy antics against the New Iberia team to the delight of children in the gym.
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For event-goers enjoying the festivities, popcorn and other concession items were available while watching the program.
Flight Squad, which was founded in 2017, consists of former professional basketball players and Division 1 college basketball players who have played on teams in the U.S. as well as overseas.
More importantly, the money raised by the event go to WECNA, who coordinate several important projects throughout the year that aid children and the elderly in New Iberia.
“It goes directly back into the community,” White said.
Between quarters, Flight Squad team members and emcee for the event, Brittney Dorsey, and other members orchestrated contests for children attending the event.
The final score was 91-70, Flight Squad.
