WHAT: Dobyns-Bennett High School Inaugural Douglass Commemorative Basketball Games
WHEN: Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. (Girls' Game) and 6 p.m. (Boys' Game)
WHERE: Dobyns-Bennett High School - Buck Van Huss Dome, 1 Tribe Way, Kingsport, TN 37664 "Dobyns-Bennett High School has many accomplishments worthy of celebrating and those successes are intertwined with those of Douglass High School," said Dobyns-Bennett Boys' Head Basketball Coach Chris Poore. "As a program we are excited to participate in the inaugural Douglass Commemorative basketball games. We look forward to celebrating with former players and community members as we strive to highlight both the history and success of both programs and those that paved the way."

It is commonplace for schools to highlight their history and acknowledge alumni through banquets, homecomings, and other forms of celebrations. Since desegregation and the closing of Douglass High School, there have been few formal opportunities to recognize and celebrate Douglass High School and its students. The two basketball games are one way to celebrate the success of Douglass High School and highlight some of the alumni that made their mark in history. Several current Dobyns-Bennett basketball players are descendants of former Douglass High players.  

"After researching, meeting, and discussing the history with several former students of Douglass, it was clear that there are stories that need to be shared, not just with our team but with our entire community," said Poore. "I have heard countless, remarkable stories of the teachers, coaches, and players of Douglass that were and still are honorable community members that continue to impact our great city. Our players have learned so much through meeting with the former players and hearing their stories. As I listened to the questions our players asked them, it occurred to me how far we have progressed as a culture and how blessed we are to live in a time period that has overcome several of the barriers that once divided us, much in thanks to those who were sharing their experiences."  

Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a public school district located in Kingsport, Tenn., serving students in Sullivan and Hawkins county. The district is comprised of 13 schools, including a Pre-K, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice and an alternative learning program; with total enrollment over 7,700 students. The vision of Kingsport City Schools is to Inspire. Cultivate. Impact.