By ROBERT L. LEE

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Teams from across the United States will begin arriving in Clarksville on July 5 for the Amateur Athletic Union Boys’ National Basketball Championships. Of the 129 teams, four teams will represent Louisiana. Of the four, are the River Parish Pros, who placed second in the state, and are seeking a better finish in the upcoming Nationals.

The Pros were set in second place for the state, after losing their first game over three years and 85 games to another La. team, the La. Future Stars, who beat the Pros by a scant five points. However, they are ranked first in their opening pool of four teams for the nationals.

“Rank doesn’t matter. People can put you where they want until you play another team,” said Pros coach Kevin Branch. “The big things start when you go to nationals, that’s where I like to have my fun.”

The Pros have had fun the past two years, winning the state championship and Youth Basketball of America State Championship in 2000. Last year, the team, all but four of whom are on this year’s squad, captured the La. State title and finished 6th of 140 teams in the nationals, with an 8-1 record, losing by only one point to the Arkansas Hawks in overtime.

Teams will arrive July 5 and 6, with registration and opening ceremonies held on July 6. The ceremonies will begin at 7 p.m. in Governs Stadium on the Austin Peay State University campus with a parade of athletes, skydivers and an attendance of various dignitaries.

Pool play takes place on July 7-9, while bracket play will begin Wednesday, July 10, and the championship game taking place at the Austin Peay Dunn Center on July 13. All tournament games are open to the public for a daily admission charge.

“We’re thrilled that the AAU organization selected Clarksville to host this tournament,” said convention and visitors bureau chair-elect Joyce Norris in a recent press release. “We have a proven track record with them and we’re looking forward to continuing a mutually beneficial relationship for many years to come. Events of this magnitude have a tremendous impact on our community, both from a financial aspect as well as the nationwide positive attention it brings to Clarksville.”

The AAU Championship, a $1.8 million event, is expected to attract nearly 5,500 visitors to Clarksville, including players in the 15-year-old and under division and their families.

“Other than the first year tournament, this will be our biggest test because it will be the national championship,” said Jerry Allbert, tournament director in a press release. “All eyes will be on us because of the expectations, that will be on us because we are the host.”