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By Tim Morse

ALBANY — Carl Hall has been playing in the Battle of the South Basketball Tournament for more than a decade. The 6-foot-8, 225-pound Cochran, Ga. native likes the competition and the challenge he gets from playing.

Hall and his All Out squad were one of 20 teams in the 20th annual tournament Saturday at Darton State College. The double-elimination tourney started early and continues at 9 a.m. today, culminating with the championship game at 5 p.m.

“I always played in this tournament,” said Hall, who plays professionally in Japan after helping lead Wichita State to the 2013 NCAA Final Four.

“It’s good competition and it helps me with conditioning and staying in shape.”

Hall echoed what many participants were saying on Saturday. The Battle of the South Tournament has become one of the premiere amateur tournaments around.

Teams played in the Cavalier Arena at Darton State College and organizers also used Darton’s old gymnasium nearby. Tournament Director Fred Pickett said using both gyms simultaneously has helped the tournament grow.

“Word has gotten around that this is one of the best if not the best, ” Pickett said. “It’s getting bigger and better. Every year, the talent level seems to get better.”

Local boys basketball coaches Kirven Davis of Lee County, Dallis Smith of Westover and Albany State head coach Michael Moore watched from the stands.

Hometown hero Melvin Drake, who starred at Albany High in the early 1990s before playing collegiately at Georgia and professionally overseas, said he has been a part of all 20 tournaments as a player and coach.

He said he played for Litman during the early years of the tournament before teaming up with a few friends to play for Team Duuuval of Jacksonville, Fla., the tournament favorite who has won four championships.

Saturday, he planned to coach.

“I’ve caught heat for that,” Drake said jokingly. “But this tournament has evolved into a big deal. It really has. Besides bragging rights, it’s turned into a homecoming of basketball.”

Pickett said regardless of the outcomes, fans can come watch the games and feel safe.

“Families can bring their kids and have a good time,” he said. “It’s a good family atmosphere.”