6th Man teams qualify for Nationals

By Lisa Soileaux

Two local teams of the 6th Man Sports program have qualified for their national basketball tournaments, a first for the City of Rayne.

The 9th grade team of the 6th Man Sports Program finished their regular season with a numbered ranking in the State of Louisiana and has been invited to participate in the National Tournament slated July 10-14 in Myrtle Beach, SC.

The 7th grade team finished their regular season in second place in their division and has also qualified to attend their National Tournament June 29-July 6 in Memphis, Tenn.

6th Man Sports is a member of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) as a 501(c) 3 subordinate member organization that is dedicated to providing the very best training, competition and environment for young athletes who have a desire to be the best. The program is based on teaching discipline, leadership, teamwork and provides the parents and student athletes an experience that will last a lifetime.

6th Man Sports was established in the City of Rayne in 2012 and has continued to grow year after year. Executive Director Brian Mouton made a commitment in 2012 to provide a service that would impact the youth not only on the basketball court but also in the classroom.

The program provides clinics, camps, and one to one training to area student athletes while supporting the local recreation program.

In order to maintain these services, 6th Man is seeking any type of contribution to the program, either monetary or goods/services. Contributions will enable the local teams to participate in their upcoming National Tournaments where they can compete and gain prominent exposure in the Amateur Athletic Union.

“By contributing today, you will help 6th Man build tomorrow,” stated Mouton.

For more information or to make a donation, contact Director Mouton at 337-781-6343. www.go6thman.com

(6th Man Sports was founded by Rayne native Byron Mouton, a retired American basketball player who was captain on the University of Maryland’s 2002 NCAA national championship team and played professionally in several countries. He and his twin brother, Brian, were members of the 1995 Rayne High School 3A state championship team. Brian serves as director of the Rayne program.  The organization’s mission is to instill academic excellence, values, discipline and leadership in student athletes.)