Our champions

Courtesy of Charles Crawford

Tri-State Express won the Ninth Grade National Division championship at the United States Basketball Association Boys Nationals in North Myrtle Beach.

Team members (left to right) are: Front row, Connor Greene, Charles, Crawford II, TyRail Reed, Anthony Meadows; Second row, Nick Tubbs, Nate Garred, Darnell Crews, Chancelor Wooding, Isaiah King; Back row, Coach Greene, Keland Nicks, Coach Tim Meadows, Arick Nicks, Coach James Hopkins.

Tri-State Express went 2-1 in pool play with wins over the Carolina Warriors and the Charlotte Rivals while losing to Team Heat. Tri-State Express then beat Philly Triple Threat and the Harundale Hornets before downing the Carolina Warriors, 57-51, in the championship game to finish 5-1.

Submit youth sports photos to sports editor Rick McCann (hedge@herald-dispatch.com) or go to www.herald-dispatch.com and click on Photo Galleries.