Ocracoke Dolphins to play in Good Guys vs Cancer basketball showcase

By Richard Taylor

The second annual Good Guys vs. Cancer Basketball Showcase taking place this week at First Flight High School this weekend features some of the best basketball talent in the country as well as local favorites with 21 games over two days.

Last year’s inaugural event raised more than $12,000 for the American Cancer Society in memory of Guy Williams, father of First Flight athletic director and men’s basketball coach Chad Williams.

The Ocracoke boys’ varsity team has been invited and has two games scheduled. Friday afternoon the Dolphins took on the Northside Panthers of Pinetown, Beaufort County, loosing 58-47. Mason Fuller scored 17 points and was voted the team’s MVP. Edwin Perez had 11 points.

The Dolphins take on cross-sound rival Cape Hatteras Hurricanes at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, in the “Battle for the Paddle.” The game will be broadcast on WOVV, 90.1 FM and online at wovv.rocks.

Williams said the showcase has quickly taken on a life of its own. “We got some really good talent coming in and we’re especially thankful to all the sponsors that have come on board,” he said in a phone interview Thursday. “It’s going to be a fantastic event for a great cause. I’m very pleased and proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish in such a short time.”

Why did Williams invite Ocracoke?

“Well, they don’t have a home gym right now,” he said. “They’re a local team and because of what happened with Dorian, it’s going to be an unbelievable opportunity for them to play in front of probably more people than ever before.

“It’s a great environment for a good cause and the people who are watching the games will be supportive of both teams in light of what happened with the storm. Some kids who have gone from Ocracoke to other schools will be here. I think it’s special for these kids to get to come back and see each other again.”