Eastwood Middle Basketball Teams Recognized By School Board

TUSCALOOSA, AL — It was a big year for Eastwood Middle School's two boys basketball teams, which were both honored this week by the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education for winning the City-County Championship.

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Eastwood Middle School's 7th and 8th grade basketball teams were recognized at Tuesday's school board meeting, as TCS pointed out that this is the second straight year that the 8th grade team won the City-County Championship.

Here's a quick look at both of the talented squads!

"These aren't just athletes, but they are great students as well," said coach DeMario Pippen, who coached the 7th grade team and was recently named the next head football coach at Central High School. "They are very mature for their age, the level of focus these guys have at their age, is superior to everything else."

Ricky Giddeon served as head coach of the 8th grade team, which finished 17-1 on the season, with Pippen serving as an assistant. Conversely, Pippen was the head coach of the 7th grade squad, which finished perfect at 17-0, while Giddeon served as the assistant.

"We want to thank our parents, because without them, they couldn't have done this," TCS Athletic Director Coach Maurice Heard said. "To our teachers, administration, board, superintendent, everybody plays a role with these young men to help them be successful. There is a culture of winning, and that starts with academics. Thank you guys for the dedication and the time you guys spend."

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