by Brian Turrel
Eisenhower Middle School in Kansas City, Kansas, will be the site for the inaugural Morris Letcher Basketball Classic. The event starts at noon on Saturday, June 26.
Proceeds from admissions and merchandise sales will go to benefit KCK Assistant Fire Chief Morris Letcher and his family. Letcher was incapacitated by a series of medical issues, including a stroke, in early and mid-2020.
In addition to his longtime service as a firefighter, Letcher was a basketball coach for many years at Eisenhower Middle School, Sumner Academy, and Piper High School. The basketball game will be played by Letcher’s former players from each school.
In addition to the basketball game, the event will feature performances from music artists Jooby Truth and AyEl, along with DJ Mr. Skilled Hands (LaDale Beason) and Tha Goonez.
Vendors will include fashion label KCK Legends with local-themed gear, and Kaleidoscoops with ice cream treats.
Brian “B.J.” Johnson, a former Sumner basketball player for Letcher, and now a resident of Los Angeles, learned of Letcher’s situation on a recent business trip back to Kansas City. He was determined to help, and pulled together the event in less than three weeks.
“This is to show his impact, what he’s done,” said Johnson. “As a community, we want to embrace him, and let him know he’s not alone.”
Johnson would like to see the event continue in coming years as Letcher continues his rehabilitation.
Tickets for the event can be purchased online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inaugural-morris-letcher-basketball-classic-tickets-160598180481. Eisenhower Middle School is located at 2901 N. 72nd St.