Baldwin Goes BIG at the 2nd Annual Tasha Tough Classic

Honoring Legacy, Elevating Community, and Championing Women’s Health

On Saturday, December 6th, Baldwin County showed up, showed out, and made history at the 2nd Annual Tasha Tough Basketball Classic an event that has quickly become a signature celebration on the district’s fall athletics calendar. What began as a tribute to the life and legacy of Baldwin High School alumna Tasha Butts is now a major community gathering marked by energy, purpose, and unity.

And this year, Baldwin did it LOUD.

From the packed bleachers to the thundering applause with every buzzer-beater, the Classic felt every bit like an arena tribute fit for the woman who inspired it. Tasha’s strength, perseverance, and generosity continue to echo through Baldwin County, and this year’s tournament carried her spirit into every game, every handshake, and every community moment.

A New Milestone: Baldwin’s First Live Radio Broadcast

History was made courtside as Baldwin High School hosted its first-ever live radio broadcast through 89.3 Star FM, part of the Seacoast Radio Network. Student broadcasters called the evening games live, marking an exciting step forward for Baldwin’s growing Mass Communications and Sports Broadcasting initiatives.

A Homecoming of Heart: Distinguished Alumnus Audra Smith Returns

One of the most powerful moments of the event came with the return of Audra Smith, Baldwin High School Class of 1988, Baldwin Distinguished Alumnus, and the University of Auburn’s Director of Women’s Basketball Community Engagement. Smith travelled back to Milledgeville to help lead a mission close to her heart: supporting Atrium Health Navicent’s Tasha Butts Mobile Mammography Unit, which screened women on site throughout the tournament.

This year marked the first time the unit was able to participate in the Classic, and Smith shared how meaningful it was to bring this service home.

“We were able to screen over 15 women today, which is the typical number you can screen in a 5.5-hour period. We maxed out, which was fantastic. We had women who had never been screened before, some well over 40.” 

Smith helped coordinate the effort alongside Coach Dexter Ricks, Coach Kizzy Walker, and a dedicated planning committee beginning early in the year. Together, they ensured that this event not only honored Tasha’s legacy, but also upheld the very values she lived by, advocating for women’s health, access, and education.

“This is a tribute to Tasha and her legacy. Even in the midst of her battle and treatments, she was still concerned about other women receiving access to quality cancer healthcare.” 

Smith spoke about how Tasha’s activism continues to change and save lives, particularly for women who face barriers such as time off work, insurance limitations, fear, and lack of access.

A Full Day of Basketball and Community Spirit

Seven schools competed in six action-packed games throughout the day, with Baldwin taking center stage in the evening matchups. In addition, the boys put up an impressive win over their Putnam rivals! The gym echoed with cheers, pride, and an unmistakable sense of purpose. Student broadcasters delivered Baldwin High’s first live radio sports coverage, and community partners came together to advance a mission far greater than the game itself.

The Classic honored Tasha’s love for basketball, her commitment to service, and her unwavering belief in supporting others, even while fighting her own battle.