Vikings’ head basketball coach Reshon Benjamin could not hide his pride as he reflected on this year’s “Battle Off Exit 18” tournament that took place over the weekend.   

In its second year, the event brought more competitive high school basketball to Valdosta. The tournament has become a showcase for elite teams from Georgia and neighboring states, but in coach Benjamin’s eyes, it is also about community pride and creating something lasting for Valdosta.

“I want this to be something the city can own, something the city can embrace, and something the city can be proud of and say, ‘This is what we are doing here at Valdosta,’” stated Coach Benjamin.

The tournament featured an impressive lineup of teams, showcasing talent from across the region. The Vikings were joined by Berkeley Prep and Bishop Snyder, both powerhouse programs from Florida known for their competitive edge. FSU High, with its impressive roster and coaching staff, added to the mix, while Georgia schools Tift County and Houston County brought their recognizable grit and skill to the court. Rounding out the field were Williston and Hilliard, two teams that traveled from Florida and had plenty of skills to make the games interesting.

Lowndes High School took the event as a chance to show what the city has to offer, ending the tournament with a 2-0 record against Bishop Snyder and Berkeley Prep. Standout player Kam Jackson proved why he is a player to watch, averaging an impressive 17 points between the two games. Coach Benjamin also had praise for the “trio of junior big men” on the team. Kaiden Martin, Kaiden Brown, and Tarrell Green Jr. were attributed to be major contributors to the Vikings’ success with their presence on rebounds.

The spotlight was not just on the veterans, though. Promising freshman—turned heads with his performance, scoring crucial points in the opening quarters and setting the tone early. 

Coach Benjamin also discussed how he has received positive feedback from coaches and teams on the event and the city of Valdosta. Many teams and coaches used the event to shop for the holidays. 

Looking to the future, Benjamin has big plans to expand the tournament, bring in even more teams, and make it a centerpiece for high school basketball in the Southeast. As the final buzzer sounded and the gym emptied, Coach Benjamin said he took a moment to reflect on what the tournament meant to him and the city. 

“I am super proud of being able to bring something of this caliber to the city. We are just scratching the surface. When word gets out—word gets out, so good things are happening,” stated coach Benjamin.

The website for the event is still up, with some information on Valdosta and the teams that competed. Coach Benjamin discussed this as a way for fans and attendees to understand the event’s level of competition and scale. The website is found at https://sites.google.com/lowndes.k12.ga.us/battleoffofexit18