Raiders Boys Basketball Team Second Annual Tip-Off Dinner and Green Jacket Ceremony

The Raiders Boys’ Basketball Team gathered at The Ballroom Weddings and Events on Friday, November 17, 2023, for the Second Annual Tip-Off Dinner and Green Jacket Ceremony. The event is a fundraising opportunity for the basketball team. 

Armond P. Flood Sr., the Head Coach of the Raiders Boys’ Basketball Team, started the annual Raiders Boys’ Basketball Tip-Off Dinner and Green Jacket Ceremony. This is his second year coaching the Raiders Boys’ Basketball Team. His goal is twofold- raise funds for the team’s needs and an opportunity to inspire his athletes to learn how to act and dress for success. 

The event was a success. Positive energy and elegance filled the ballroom. Upon entering, guests were promptly greeted and seated by the members of the Laurens District 55 High School (LDHS) Honor Society. Hugs, smiles, and handshakes were given as guests mingled before the program began.

Members of the Raiders Boys’ Basketball Team officially started the program. TylanFowler gave a brief welcome. Mason Aiken then shared the purpose of the event. Then, Zakarion Simpson led the blessing. After that, students of the LDHS National Honor Society began food service. Then, Laurens County School District 55 Athletic Director Tommy Spires took the stage to introduce the guest speaker, Coach Mark Freeze.

Mark Freeze has been a role model to many, including to Coach Spires. He served as Spires’s coach, father figure, and mentor as a student-athlete. Mark Freeze also became Spires’s colleague in teaching and coaching later in life. Mark Freeze is from North Carolina and came to Laurens in 1978. He is a graduate of Appalachian State University. Coach Freeze served LCSD 55 for twenty-five years in various roles, including basketball coach, football coach, and Athletic Director. In 1991, he coached the Laurens basketball team that won the Region Championships. He retired in 2018 after 40 years in education. He was inducted into the South Carolina Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021. He was honored as Region Coach of the Year eleven times, and South Carolina Basketball Officials Association Coach of the Year twice. 

In his speech, Coach Freeze shared many nuggets of wisdom. Among them is his advice to the athletes to learn how to throw free throws regardless of their roles on the team. He also addressed the parents to be supportive by trusting the coaches’ guidance.

Coach Flood followed Coach Freeze’s Speech with closing remarks. Flood shared his goals and vision for his team. “We want to improve and take another step in the right direction. Focus on the three Cs- Community, Classroom, and Court. Become better sons at home and in the community, become better students in the classroom and play exciting basketball, give the City of Laurens something to be proud of,” shared Flood.

The Green Jacket Ceremony promptly started after the closing remarks and acknowledgments. Each member of the Raiders Boys’ Basketball Team walked down the red carpet to the stage. Assistant Coaches Justin Dawkins, Artis Johnson, Stan Carpenter, and David Burns were individually called to the stage to join Coach Flood. The student-athletes were then called to the stage- Zakarion Simpson, Travija Austin, Mason Aiken, Martinez Shaw, Tylan Fowler, E’myus Young, Jaylan Simpson, Nick Danciu, Keilund Singleton, BJ Byrd, Narrius Jones, Nigere Brown, and Tyon Bailey. The students shook each of the coaches’ hands. Coach Flood helped each student put on a green jacket. At the end of the ceremony, each athlete exuded confidence. Attendees and supporters of the event gave the coaches and athletes a big round of applause. 

Dr. Thomas shared her excitement about this new yearly tradition. “It was such a blessing to gather in celebration of the Raiders Boys’ Tip-Off Dinner and Green Jacket Ceremony. This wonderful event honors our exceptional athletes and their dedication to excellence. This event marks the beginning of a remarkable season and serves as a testament to the teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship that our student-athletes embody. I am grateful for the community coming together to uplift and cheer for our talented Raiders, as they embark on a journey filled with passion, grit, and boundless potential. I hope this event will inspire us all to strive for greatness both on and off the court. Thank you to Coach Armond Flood, the assistant coaches, administrators, parents, sponsors, and all who helped to make this event a success,” said Dr. Thomas. 

Email Coach Flood at [email protected] for information on the Boys’ Basketball Program and to learn how you can support his team and the next annual Raiders Boys’ Basketball Tip-Off Dinner and Green Jacket Ceremony.