Reggie Barnes Basketball Court opens in Selma

Submitted by TOWN OF SELMA

SELMA — The Town of Selma Parks and Recreation Department announced Oct. 25 that the Reggie Barnes Basketball Court is now open and ready for play.

The Reggie Barnes Basketball Court is located on the campus of the Harrison Gymnasium located at 601 W. Noble St. It is situated next to the Jacquelyn J. Lacy Tennis Courts.

“Selma is so proud that Reggie was able to give back to the community in which he started,” said Parks and Recreation director Billy Roach. “Reggie truly is an inspiration for all the youth here in Selma. We cannot wait to conduct events here on the court in his honor.”

Barnes was born and raised in Selma by his mother, Carolyn Davis, and his grandmother, Cora Sneed. He graduated from Smithfield-Selma High School, where he excelled in basketball from 1982-85. He was a three-time Most Valuable Player recipient, the 1985 CAP-8 Conference Player of the Year, Metro Player of the Year, First Team All-Conference, First Team All-East and Greensboro News & Record All-State. He was also named honorable mention for the McDonald’s All-American game and the Converse All American Team.

He was the first Smithfield-Selma basketball player selected to play in the North Carolina Coaches Association East/West All-Star Game in 1985. He finished his high school basketball career as the third leading scorer in CAP-8 history. Barnes was highly recruited by several NCAA Division 1 Universities and was the first Smithfield-Selma player to play at the NCAA Division 1 level. He elected to stay close to home and chose to play for the University of North Carolina-Charlotte for thenhead coach Jeff Mullins.

Barnes was a four-year letterman for the 49ers, started games as a freshman, played in more than 100 games during his college career at Charlotte, and played in the first round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament in 1988 as Charlotte won the Sun Belt Conference championship.

He graduated in 3 1/2 years from UNC-Charlotte with a degree in human services/ psychology and a minor in African-American studies. In May 1989, he became the first person in his family to graduate from college.

His non-profit organization, Realtime Hope, has given thousands of dollars toward scholarships in Johnston County and has completed several mission projects internationally. Giving back to the community has always had a special place in his heart, and he has made it his mission to offer free basketball clinics and community fun days in Selma. Over the years, Barnes says he has been extremely blessed and will continue to support communities through giving back. His motto is, “If you help enough people get what they want, by default you will always get what you want.”

“This court would not be possible without the support and love from my God, my family and my friends,” Barnes said. “I dedicate this court to the memory of my grandmother, Cora Sneed. May she see the love and the dreams this court will bring to many young people from this day forth.”

After dribbling the first basketball on the court and making a lay-up as the first shot, Reggie invited everyone there to enjoy the court.

Rodrick Worth, Selma parks and recreation athletic supervisor, conducted free throw and hot shot contests. The winners in the youth contests were Harvey Raby in the free throw contest and Zion Rhue was the hot shot/ free throw winner.

The courts can be reserved for private games by contacting the Selma Parks and Recreation Department at 919-975-1411.