Classics AAU Basketball History Page

HISTORY

In 1971, Dr. Jerry Gardner selected the first team of girls from Montgomery County, Maryland, to compete in the Potomac Valley AAU tournament. This 12-and-under team not only won the regional tournament, but also went on to win the nationals-making them the best in the nation!

Five years later, this core of parents and coaches formed the Classics Girls Basketball organization, to provide talented female basketball players the opportunity to play on select teams. Since their inception, Classics Basketball teams have competed successfully at the local, regional and national levels. In 1998-9, some members split off from Classics Basketball to form the Maryland Flames, a for-profit entity. At that time, Classics Basketball renewed its 501(c)3 status and has continued as a not-for-profit entity. There are no paid staff and all officers and directors volunteer their time and receive no direct compensation for their time and efforts except in the form of reimbursements for purchasing equipment, gear, insurance, uniforms, and other items that support the operation of the club for its youth members.

In 2005, Classics renamed itself as MDSports X-TREME Basketball as part of an affiliation with the Maryland Sports Association (MDSports). The affiliation did not pan out and in March, 2006, Classics Basketball resumed operations under its original name. Also in 2006, Classics Basketball added Boys AAU Basketball teams to its program.

In 2008, Club President, Andrew Stadnik was awarded the Potomac Valley AAU District Volunteer of the Year Award for his support of the Potoamc Valley AAU Girls and Boys Basketball programs.

Other select girls basketball organizations have come and gone and some are in it for goals other than those focused on the youth members, but Classics Basketball will continue to provide young athletes in and around the Potomac Valley AAU District with quality coaching and top-level competition to enhance their basketball skills for middle school, high school, college and beyond with its focus on its youth members.