Local talents hit the court this week for Peach Jam

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - It’s that time of the year again — Peach Jam is set to get underway later this week.

And there is some very promising local talent about to hit the court.

For the past three years, local eyes have been on Westside basketball.

But for one week out of the year, the whole country gets a piece of a Patriot.

“I always tell our kids, ‘It’s not where you are. It’s not where you’re from. It’s what you made up.’ And I like to, for them to see what the other kids are made of around the country. But also show the other kids what we’re made up here in Augusta,” said Westside Head Basketball Coach Jerry Hunter.

Peach Jam brings big names to courts they grew up on.

Previously, Westside names like Aumari Tillman and Khalon Hudson got their shot at Peach Jam.

This year, it’s Dontrell Jackson’s turn.

“I was in Atlanta, and I had a great game. He had said to me I was asking if was I interested in playing?” said Jackson, who plays for Jet Academy.

And he was. He’ll now play for Jet Academy.

Hunter said: “For him to get an opportunity to play with the Jet Academy, which is d with Kenny Smith is a major situation for him.”

Hunter says it’s because it opens doors.

“To play in front of college coaches, to see college coach role model United States come to the big-time small city of Augusta,” said Hunter. “It’s big enough for these kinds of just to come in town to look at other kids. So, I feel like you know why they are looking at other kids, some of our kids need some of that exposure as well.”

Play-in games for the tournament start July 12, with the tournament following until June 21.

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