Division I basketball coming to Gulfport

When division I basketball makes it way to the Gulf Coast, the coliseum is often the go-to neutral site. Tomorrow, Jackson State and Southeastern Louisiana will tip things off from Gulfport High School.
Bert Jenkins Gymnasium will be the venue for this exhibition match, organized and put on by former St. Stanislaus coach, now head man of the Lions, Jay Ladner.
All proceeds from the charitable cause will go towards hurricane relief and flood victims and will be donated by catholic organizations across the Gulf Coast.
With an event like this, it’s a win-win for all parties involved including Gulfport Head Boys Coach Owen Miller. “We were thrilled that they would want us to host this. They reached out to us and wanted us to host it. We’re fortunate we’ve got the college three down already, we’ve also got a shot clock so logistically there were no issues. So I think it’s a little of both, obviously I think our tradition plays into some of that. We’ve got nine state championships, more than anybody in our state. And our program is known throughout the state and has a great reputation, so I think that helps and then just the city of Gulfport. It’s a great place and we do a lot of good things and we’re proud of that here in Gulfport.”
Combined there are a seven players from the state of Mississippi on the two rosters. The Lions and Tigers will square off at 7 p.m. tomorrow from the Bert. Tickets are $5.