VALDOSTA— Lowndes High School’s gym turned into a launchpad for dreams on Tuesday as unsigned senior basketball players from across the Southeast gathered for an important showcase.

Hosted in partnership with Rebound Ministries, the event brought together roughly 30 players from across the region. The showcase provided standout student-athletes with an opportunity to play in front of college scouts and recruiters, many of whom were attending for the first time. 

“You get two things from this event: exposure and opportunity,” said Lowndes head coach Reshon Benjamin. “For a lot of our kids in this area, that’s pretty much all they need.”

The showcase drew a mix of athletes from across the region, all hoping to earn attention and, ultimately, a place on a college roster. Local fans would have noticed standout athletes in attendance, including Kam Jackson and Rashaud Adams from Lowndes High, as well as Brandon Brown from Valdosta High.

Colleges in attendance included junior colleges and universities like Eastern Florida, Northwest Florida, Murray State University, and Oklahoma Baptist, among others. Some coaches from Valdosta State University were also present. Players were divided into teams after warmups and drills, showcasing their skills in a series of five-on-five matchups.

For Buster Montgomery of Rebound Ministries, who helps organize the event every year, the mission goes beyond basketball.

“It’s super special to see a kid who’s worked his whole life—who’s had a dream their whole life—see his dreams come to reality,” Montgomery said. “It’s one of the best things I do every year for myself because I love it.”