The Bob Dillon Lady Viking Invitational, a high school girls’ basketball tournament hosted at Spartanburg High School, continues to thrive in its mission of honoring the legacy of Bob Dillon, a dedicated father, mentor and coach who created a lasting impact on Spartan High’s basketball program.
Bob Dillon was a well-known figure at the school for decades, first as the father of standout player Sharon Dillon, and later as a devoted supporter of the Lady Vikings team during Sharon’s 17-year coaching career. Affectionately known as “Daddy Dillon” by the players, Bob Dillon passed away unexpectedly in December 2017, but his legacy lives on through the annual event. After Bob’s passing, Sharon, in his memory, created the Bob Dillon Lady Viking Invitational in 2018. The tournament was designed to celebrate Bob’s unwavering support for the girls’ basketball program and the reminder of his love for the sport.
Laura Nance Pickens (12) plays in the tournament and loves the friendly competition that it creates. She thinks the tournament is an excellent start to the season.
“The Bob Dillon Tournament is a great opportunity for teams to come together, play and get better. This tournament lets me get better in a game setting but not having the pressure of an actual game,” Pickens said.
Sharon Dillon, when asked about the impact that her father made on her life commented “He taught me everything I know about the game and helped me develop my love and passion for it. He was also a huge supporter of the girls that played for me. I am honored that Coach Boyd has kept his memory alive by continuing the tournament after she took over the reins as coach in 2023. That means a lot to me and all those who loved Daddy Dillon,” Dillon said.
The current Spartan High women’s basketball coach Leslie Boyd has embraced the tournament as a way to continue to honor the memory of Bob Dillon while also fostering the growth of young female athletes in the community.
“As a coach, participating in a basketball tournament named after the previous head coach’s father who passed away holds profound significance for me. It’s more than just a competition; it’s a tribute to a man who undoubtedly had a profound impact on his family and the community,” Boyd said. “This tournament serves as a way to honor his legacy, celebrate his love for the game, and bring people together in his memory. It’s an opportunity to teach my players about respect, remembrance, and the powerful bond that basketball can create among us all. We are excited to expand the tournament this year to eight teams total: Spartanburg, Byrnes, Clinton, Blacksburg, Union Co., Catawba Ridge, Nation Ford and Lancaster.”
As the tournament enters its seventh year, it has become a memorable event for both the players and fans of Spartanburg basketball. After winning the first round, the Lady Vikings fell in their later game. Despite the loss, the Vikings are looking forward to an exciting season.
