For Immediate Release
April 11, 2008

Opelousas Biddy Basketball All-Stars Places 4th in International Biddy Basketball Championships

Biddy Basketball Champions

The Opelousas Biddy All-Stars recently took fourth place in the International Biddy Basketball Championship.  Held in New Orleans, Louisiana on April 4-9, the Opelousas team won four straight games making their way to the final four.  During the semi-final rounds, the Opelousas Biddy All-Stars were defeated by Raceland, 68-63; however, the local team was able to place fourth.  Over 24 teams competed in the Internationals Biddy Basketball Championship. 

“It was a great experience.  I am very proud of the boys,” said Biddy Basketball Coach Mona Wilson.  “They played top notch basket ball.  They exemplified great respect in sportsmanship and represented Opelousas very well.  We met great people and great coaches.  They played very hard on the floor and received compliments by tournament officials,” added Wilson.

The Opelousas Biddy Basketball All-Star team consists of 11 and 12 years old from the Opelousas area.  The all-star season begins in January.  This season alone, the team stood at 18 wins and 4 losses for the All-Star season.  “By far this is the best group that I have worked with,” said Wilson, who has been a volunteer Biddy Basketball Coach for 13 years where she has taken teams to the finals five times.   

“About 300 children ranging from ages 7-12 years old take part in the Opelousas Biddy Basket ball program each year,” said Chris Rideau, City of Opelousas Recreation Supervisor.  “The program teaches the fundamentals of basketball as well as basic social skills. Children learn respect and responsibility,” said Rideau.    

Opelousas Parks & Recreation Superintendent Ken Vidrine said he was very proud and honored by the accomplishments of the team but even more proud of how the team represented Opelousas.

“I would like to thank Parks & Recreation and the City of Opelousas for allowing me to be a volunteer coach,” said Wilson.  “I’d also like to thank the assistant coaches Kenneth Lamb and Kevin Jones.”

Registration for the 2008-09 season of Biddy Basketball will be held in October.  Right now, the park is accepting applications for the 2008 Baseball and softball season.  Children ages 6 to 17 are encouraged to register.  There is a $10 registration fee which also includes a uniform.  For more information, contact Christ Rideau at (337) 948-2562.