News / Allstate Sugar Bowl

Blount Leopards Hope to Make Their Mark in National Prep Classic

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

This is the sixth in a 16-day installment of previews featuring the 16 teams participating in the Allstate Sugar Bowl National Prep Basketball Classic January 6 through January 8 at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner as well as at Country Day and Archbishop Rummel High Schools. NewOrleans.Com/Sports is an official sponsor of the event.

Allstate Sugar Bowl Basketball Page

To be successful in sports, the old axiom says you have to "go the extra mile." For Blount High School in Eight Mile, Alabama, the extra mile means a trip to New Orleans to start the new year.

Blount had an outstanding 2009-2010 season, opening with 20 consecutive victories before finishing 26-5. The Leopards advanced to the Alabama 6A sub-regional state playoffs, losing to Theodore High.

First-year head coach Jeffery Pope has his Leopards off to an 8-5 start this season. Blount will play at Robertsdale High before heading to New Orleans for the Allstate Sugar Bowl National Prep Basketball Classic January 6-8 at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner and at Archbishop Rummel and Country Day.

Pope came to Blount from traditional power LeFlore High School, where he worked with legendary coach Otis Hughley for over seven years. Hughley raised the Rattlers to national prominence.

To read the full preview story, please go to NewOrleans.com...