Bolivar Middle School (BMS) Lady Tigers and Tigers made it official for us to start talking about basketball as they participated in the annual Blue Suede Invitational, which kicked off on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at South Gibson High School. Last year, the BMS Tigers won the tournament and returned seeking to maintain their title.
The Blue Suede Invitational, which has run since 2013, was started to highlight West Tennessee middle school basketball talent and bring awareness to and support the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse. The proceeds from the event benefit the academic and athletic programs at South Gibson County Middle School and South Gibson County High School. Each year, Blue Suede donates a portion of the proceeds to the Carl Perkins Center, which to date, has totaled more than $15,000.
Click to watch the video reel.
In the first round on Saturday, both teams played the University School of Jackson Bruins. The Lady Tigers had a tough time and closed out the day losing 15 – 56.
The Tigers came out in full force, leading 14-4 after the first quarter and continued the lead in the second quarter with 25 – 10 and the third quarter with 48 – 18. In the fourth quarter, BMS maintained the lead after both teams scored two points. Minutes before the final buzzer, USJ slipped in six more points, but it was not enough in the game, which ended 50 – 26, Bolivar.
Swipe/Click to See the Slideshow Pictures
Tournament play continues Tuesday, October 20; Thursday, October 22; and finishes Saturday, October 24. On Tuesday, the Lady Tigers will play the Jackson Christian School Lady Eagles at 6 p.m. and the Tigers will play the Crockett County Middle School Cavaliers at 7 p.m.
See the boys bracket and the girls bracket to keep up with the progress of each team throughout the week.
The Blue Suede Invitational games are held at South Gibson County High School { 1000 Hornet Drive, Medina, 38355 }.
