Sam Staudt hoops it up to help collect school supplies

A Guthrie teen spent his weekend playing the sport he loves while helping Oklahoma City public school children collect free school supplies.

Sam Staudt muscles up down low against Carl Albert this past season. Photo Courtesy of Glimmer Photography.

Sam Staudt, a varsity player on the Bluejay basketball team, joined other youth from around OKC to compete in the “Back to School Melee” sponsored by Dream Athletics Inc. His team, headed by AAU Coach Chris Myers, of the Oklahoma Impact, went on to win the tournament, after winning all three of their games.

The team was represented by some of the best high school players in the OKC area.  Players present included Adrion Williams – Piedmont, John-Michael Benardello – Norman, Kendell Franklin – Piedmont, Omega Harris – Putnam City West,  Michael Smiley – Putnam City West, Jaz Gayanich – Velma, Chauncey Collins – OKC Storm.

According to Co-Founder Jimmy Lawson, “Our organization had over 25 teams participate in the tournament and provided free hot dogs and a bouncy house to families who attended.  The tournament goal was to incorporate the love of basketball with the spirit of giving and by doing so, they were able to reach their goal. To receive as many back-to-school supplies as possible. With generous support from the community, coaches, parents and players, they reached their goal!  In all, the organization received over 60 backpacks filled with paper, pencils, notebooks, erasers, tissue, and other supplies.