The 6th Annual Ballers Classic

The Ballers Classic is an invite only showcase for both boys and girls who have been performing at a high level throughout their high school careers. The event consists of 7 total games and 6 which are high school. Many of these players are unsigned seniors, one thousand point scorers, first team all conference ,first team all state award recipients, Gatorade POY and State POY. The selected underclassmen who participate have also been playing at a high level thus far in their high school careers. The Ballers Classic is a fundraiser which strives to assist not only student athletes but other youth and young adults who pursue post graduation education. There is no charge for players to participate.

On Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Cape Henlopen High School, the Making A Difference Foundation held the 6th Annual Ballers Classic Showcase. The showcase consisted of boys and girls games, designed to give the players from Delaware and Maryland the opportunity to be seen by college coaches and scouts. The intent is to help these student athletes realize their dreams of a college education and to play basketball at the college level. Delmarva Sports Network was onsite to broadcast all games. There were 6 college coaches in attendance this year. The games featured top players from both states Maryland and Delaware, including the Delaware Gatorade and Max Prep Girls Player of the Year, ESPN #6 ranked Jezelle “GG” Banks. Also included Maryland's ranked #4 Wake Forest commit Milan Brown.“Six of our players have received offers already,” said AJ Jones, Director of The Ballers Classic. ”And, just last night, Penn State York indicated they are going to send a letter of intent to another.” Although the day was primarily centered around basketball, the Making A Difference Foundation felt strongly that they needed to include our community and what it has to offer by facilitating the Journeys, Pathways, and Alternative Solutions Expo along with The Manual Networking Festival. Texas Roadhouse character Andy The Armadillo was there, as well as Chase, from Paw Patrol, and Bugs Bunny from Space Jam provided by Enchanted Magical Moments. More than 35 local vendors were featured, providing information and a networking opportunity, as well as advice to young, aspiring entrepreneurs. Some offered items for sale, and all of them provided prizes for the attendees who visited all the booths. Additionally, there was a petting farm and pony rides from The Little Farm, bounce houses, face painting, and a car show. Beebe Hospital offered free health screenings and the Delaware State Police Command Center was on site for exclusive tours and a look at some of the technology law enforcement uses today. Major sponsors of the event included Schell Family Foundation, The Dental Group and C.H. Laws Transport LLC. Others included The Meoli Companies, Preston Automotive Group, Caliber Collision, Coastal Home Improvements, Hometown America Communities , Self Expression Car Club. Food was plentiful and delicious, and provided, again, by local vendors, including, Uncle B’s Kitchen, Rita's Water Ice, Crumbl, Pretzelvania, Chick-Fil-A, Taste of Jazz, Upscale Seafood, Savor The Moment, Bountiful Bowls, and Taqueria Martinez.“We are so excited to provide a family friendly event that helps us meet our goal of helping these athletes get a chance at scholarships and education, and to provide the little extra support they need, whether tuition assistance, a computer, printer, or shoes,” said Robert West, vice-president of Making A Difference Foundation. ”Our non-profit, Making A Difference Foundation, is intentional about connecting with our youth and young adults who are pursuing traditional and nontraditional pathways to post high school education.”