By Johnny L. McCray, Jr., Esq.
Asst. Coach Boys Varsity Basketball
When our Boyd H. Anderson High School boys’ varsity basketball team was invited to compete in a prestigious tournament in Houston, Texas, I knew it would be a special experience for our players. But none of us expected the trip to turn into a once-in-a-lifetime reunion that connected nearly fifty years of Broward County basketball history.
Nearly three months before the tournament, I reached out to dear friend and fellow Bethune-Cookman University alumnus Allvin “Junior” Evans, who graduated from Boyd Anderson in 1974. For those who may not know, Junior was the first starting point guard in Boyd Anderson history back in 1972, when the school first opened its doors. After graduating from Bethune-Cookman in 1978, Junior relocated to Houston, where he has lived ever since.
When I told him the Cobras were coming to town, he couldn’t believe it. Nearly 50 years had passed since he last saw his high school team play. I invited him to the game, not knowing that he would bring along several friends, including another Broward County basketball legend.
Joining Junior was Andrew Parker, a 1975 Stranahan High School graduate and standout athlete who earned a full scholarship to Iowa State University. His talent carried him all the way to the NBA, where he was selected 46th overall in the 1979 NBA Draft by the Washington Bullets.
Before tipoff, I invited both Evans and Parker to speak to our players. In that locker room, you could hear a pin drop. Our team witnessed a moment of history and mentorship. The two Broward County alumni-one the first point guard in Boyd Anderson history and the other an NBA draftee—offered heartfelt encouragement. The reminded our boys of the importance of discipline, education, and seizing every opportunity that life presents. A victory on the court followed this well-received message.
Their words of encouragement were powerful, genuine, and deeply appreciated.
For our players, this trip was more than a basketball tournament. It was a bridge connecting past and present, a reminder that the legacy of Boyd Anderson and Broward County athletics lives on far beyond our local community. To see alumni from the 1970s proudly cheering on today’s Cobras—nearly half a century later—was truly inspiring.
Our team left Houston with a victory on the court, but the real win was the sense of pride, unity, and history shared that weekend.
It was a Thanksgiving tip none of us will forget.
