Community honors coach Kamari Williams at annual basketball classic

Local high school basketball teams faced off tonight in an event honoring the late Kamorei Williams, son of state representative Bud Williams and Dr. Gloria Williams. 22 News reporter Christina Deores joins us live in studio after speaking with his loved ones. >> Tonight's game is part of Kamari's lasting legacy on the city of Springfield and his love for basketball. It was a packed gym at Scitec Monday night full of friendly competition >> as local high school teams faced off in the fifth annual Kamari Williams Basketball Classic honoring the late Kamari Williams, a beloved coach, educator, and mentor. Kamari served as head coach of Scitec's varsity basketball team from 2014 until his death in 2020. and off the court. He worked as a math teacher and an adjustment counselor in Springfield public schools, building strong connections and leaving a lasting impact on students. >> We're always in awe at the folks we see who say your son touched my life and and you know in different ways and so this is a testament to the type of work and the that he's done here in the city. >> Kamari was also a standout athlete. He was a Cathedral High School graduate who went on to play basketball at Rhode Island College, earning titles like Little East Rookie of the Year, and later inducted into the school's athletic hall of fame. Here in Springfield, he's remembered most for how he showed up for his community. >> It just it brings tears to my eyes because um as I said, the city is made him very special. The kids have made them very special. This annual basketball game is part of a larger mission to support Springfield students achieving their dreams through the Kamari Williams Memorial Foundation and the annual scholarship golf tournament fundraiser. A young man with a lasting impact remembered by the community he served. And you can learn how to support the Memorial Foundation and their annual golf tournament on our website wwlp.com. Work view tonight