Brandon Ingram MLK Showcase: $35,000 Donated by Ingram Family to Schools and Beloved Sportswriter
Brandon Ingram MLK Showcase: $35,000 Donated by Ingram Family to Schools and Sportswriter
Photos by: 252Mixtapes
KINSTON, N.C. — Once again the Brandon Ingram MLK Showcase was an absolute must attend event. Powered by 252Mixtapes and HoopsFarms Mixtapes this was the place to be on Saturday.
The 2025 Brandon Ingram MLK Showcase was more than just a celebration of high school basketball—it became a showcase of generosity and community spirit. Brandon Ingram, NBA star and Kinston native, along with his family, donated over $35,000 to support local schools and a beloved sportswriter, demonstrating their commitment to giving back to their roots.
The donations included $20,000 to Ingram’s alma mater, Kinston High, benefitting both the athletics program and the band. South Lenoir and North Lenoir high schools each received $5,000 to bolster their athletic programs. Another $5,000 was given to legendary sportswriter Junious Smith III, who has been a tireless advocate for high school athletics in the area but faced a major health challenge after undergoing brain surgery in 2023.
Kinston High head coach Perry Tyndall praised the Ingram family’s contributions, highlighting the impact they’ve made on the community.
”What a day of basketball,” Tyndall said. “The Ingram family and their generosity has shown tonight—giving to North Lenoir, South Lenoir, and Kinston High. They’ve just done so much for our schools, and then to give to Junious Smith speaks to their family and what they’ve been about all along.”
The event featured six games, offering fans a full day of thrilling basketball action:
Game 1: South Lenoir 64, Ashley 61 (OT)
Game 2: Southwest Onslow 68, Eastern Randolph 57
Game 3: North Hanover 76, Swansboro 66
Game 4: South Mecklenburg 65, White Oak 58
Game 5: Berean Christian 54, Crossroads Christian 41
Game 6: Kinston 61, Goldsboro 53
Kinston High capped the showcase with an exciting victory over Goldsboro, while South Lenoir’s overtime win against Ashley opened the day on a dramatic note. The donations and competitive matchups combined to make the Brandon Ingram MLK Showcase a memorable event, not just for the basketball on display but for the profound impact on the local community.
The Ingram family’s contributions continue to highlight their commitment to fostering opportunities and celebrating the achievements of their hometown.
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