A group of DFW-area high school athletes began their spring breaks by completing a community service project Wednesday, March 17 at Harmony CDC, a food pantry at Concord Church in Dallas.
The community service project teaches the athletes “that there is more than just basketball,” said Coach Jabari Johnson, who is the founder of Heads Up! Foundation, a non-profit that educates and mentors youths through sports. “Community service helps them develop character.”
The day of service helped kick off the foundation’s High School All-Star Week 2021. Aside from the service project, the annual All-Star Week features basketball practices, an “Unsigned Senior” combine, and a day of All-Star games Sunday at South Oak Cliff High School.
Throughout the week, the athletes will learn to build a personal brand. They also will learn presentation and speaking skills that will transcend the court, Johnson said. He and ChristiRenee teach the student-athletes.
Johnson said many of the Foundation’s athletes are set to attend college. The combine will offer them an opportunity to be seen by university coaches and to compete for college scholarships. More than 75 scholarships have been awarded to Heads Up! athletes since the foundation’s inception.
The Unsigned Diamond Combine will take place Sat., March 20. The 5th Annual DFW High School All-Star Showcase will be held Sunday, March 21 beginning at 3 p.m. with two All-Star games at South Oak Cliff High School, 3601 Marsalis, Dallas. A dunking contest will be held at halftime. The Texas Hoop Summit will take place Friday, April 2 -3
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.theheadsupfoundation.org.
