Woodlawn High's boys and girls basketball teams received a $50,000 First String check from Hibbett and Nike, plus new shoes, at Boutwell Auditorium on Tuesday.

Woodlawn High School’s boys and girls basketball teams are this season’s First String programs, chosen by Birmingham-based retailer Hibbett. The company and its partner Nike presented a check for $50,000, made out to the Woodlawn Athletics Department, on Tuesday at Boutwell Auditorium downtown.

Birmingham City Schools announced the award Tuesday. The district said Hibbett also committed $40,000 in scholarship support. Its announcement does not say whether that sum is part of the $50,000 or in addition to it.

What the players got

According to the district, the teams received:

  • the First String donation to the basketball program
  • a pair of Nike basketball shoes for each player
  • a First String gym bag for each player
  • a shoot-around on the Boutwell court after the ceremony

The same court is hosting the Ballin at Boutwell exhibition series this week. The district said teams from Alabama A&M, Samford, Alabama and Auburn are among those playing there.

Who was there

Mayor Randall Woodfin spoke at the presentation, the district said. City Council member Brian Gunn, Birmingham City Schools Instructional Superintendent Janice Drake and Woodlawn Principal Rameka Davis also attended. Woodlawn graduate and track athlete Jayla Kirkland was among the Hibbett representatives.

Third city school in the program

Hibbett runs First String with Nike as a giving program for high school athletes. The district said only four schools are chosen each year. Two other Birmingham City Schools high schools, Wenonah and Huffman, were picked in earlier years.

What it means for you

If you have a player on either Woodlawn team, the district’s announcement is the place to start for the scholarship detail. Ask the school’s athletics department how the scholarship support will be awarded and who is eligible. Basketball season schedules are posted by the school and the Alabama High School Athletic Association; we carry results on our high school scoreboard.

Read more about the school, its enrollment and its zone on our Woodlawn High School page, and about the surrounding Woodlawn neighborhood.