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WILLIAMSTON – It appears that girls basketball is on the upswing in Gates County.

While the county’s high school varsity girls had a successful season (with 22 wins and a deep run in the state playoffs), a group of younger players made a name for themselves by winning the 2024 Eastern Athletic Conference All Star Tournament.

Teams from counties all across the Albemarle area and even as far away as Greene County entered into various age groups and locations for the all-star tournaments.

This year, the age 10-13 tournament was in Williamston. Seven teams entered the field this year, boasting two more teams than last year. All Star teams from Currituck County, Camden County, Perquimans County, Edenton, Gates County, Williamston, and Washington filled Riverside Middle School for the single elimination tournament.

In the first round, Gates County played Washington and held on to win 34-26.

After a break for a few consolation games and regular bracket matches, Gates County defeated Camden County, 35-12, in the second round.

In the championship game, Gates County met Currituck County. In a high paced game, Gates County remained poised and connected on shots that would ultimately prove to be too much for Currituck to handle as the Gates County girls pulled away late and claimed the tournament’s first place trophy with a 44-31 victory.

“We are very proud of these young ladies for their commitment to this season, their teammates and their coaches. We appreciate the parents working behind the scenes making this possible for their girls. Congratulations, ladies, you earned every bit of your success and are deserving champions,” said Edward Raby, Director of the Gates County Community Center.