FORT MOORE, Georgia –
Men’s and women’s basketball teams will descend on Fort Moore’s Smith Fitness Center in Georgia this Thursday for the start of the annual Armed Forces Basketball Championship, with double round-robin competition set to tip off Friday afternoon.
The seven-day competition will conclude Oct. 10 with championship games for men and women.
“Our players are a unique group of individuals who not only excel on the basketball court but also demonstrate a deep commitment to serving their country. Being able to continue playing organized and competitive basketball while fulfilling their duties is a testament to their dedication, discipline, and passion,” said Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Syreeta Bromfield, the head coach of the all-Navy women’s basketball team.
“For our players, basketball is more than just a game; it's an opportunity to showcase their talents, build camaraderie, and represent something greater than themselves,” she said.
Capt. Brandon Mitchell, coach of the all-Marine men’s team, said his players have good energy after basketball camp at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
“We're grateful to be there. We’ve got a good group coming. We are just excited to see what happens here the next few days in competition,” he said.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Chris Madden, coach of the all-Marine women’s basketball team, said the players worked hard during trial camp at Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany in Georgia.
He said some veteran players have returned for the 2024 team, and new additions are showing promise.
Cutosha Dilworth, coach of the all-Army women’s basketball team, said her Soldiers are inspired and motivated by a strong support system, the opportunity to compete at a high-level, the will to win, camaraderie, a love for the game, sisterhood, and unfinished business with basketball.
Teams from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy (with Coast Guard players), and Air Force (with Space Force players) will battle it out, as Marine Corps men and Air Force women look to defend their titles after taking gold in 2023.
All-tournament and Armed Forces team selections will be made for Team USA, which will compete later at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) International Basketball Tournament in Belgium.