It was a packed crowd at the Monsignor Kett Playground in uptown New York City for Dyckman Basketball Tournament’s 26th anniversary opening night last night [Monday, June 13] and a perfect preview of what this summer’s hoop season will be like on the grand stage of them all.
Source Sports was live and direct to experience the addictive, energetic vibe that makes Dyckman such a unique streetball tournament. In front of a crowd consisting of special guests including Puma (Black Ink), NBA hoopers Lance Stephenson (Memphis Grizzlies), Cleanthony Early (NY Knicks) Chris McCoullough (Brooklyn Nets) and Kemba Walker (Charlotte Hornets) and the best announcer on the mic, Mr. Cha Ching giving hilarious play-by-play analysis, there were two eye opening games that set the pace for what appears to be a historical season for the ages.
In the first game, Stay Strong Entertainment was able to survive a late push by Final Four by coming out victorious with a final score of 69-64.
The main event of the night was a solid one, as defending champs Ave. Life Ent. went up against newcomers Team Kemba. In a game filled with a lot of trash talking and physical play, the defending champs started the season off on the good foot with a scrappy 52-44 win. Leading the way for the defending champs was former Drexel University standout Gerald Colds, who had the crowd going crazy with his shifty moves which had defenders on skates throughout the entire game. Big man Jordan Washington was a dominant force in the paint and one of the main catalysts on the boards. St. Raymond’s High School rising senior standout Isiah Washington and former Marist University shooting sensation Dorvell Carter were the top scorers for Team Kemba.
Today’s set of games should be a good one as Home Base Ent. goes up against Heavy Reign and TMT / Showstoppers vs. R2K. Tip off begins at 7pm, so fans are suggested to get their as early as possible to witness hoopers battle it out for that #1 spot. For some of these ballers, it’s the chance to remind fans why they belong at the only tournament where it’s you against your opponent and fans taking over one side of the court. For others, as the great Mr. Cha Ching would say, it’s their “last rodeo”!
Images: Ben Berry a.k.a. #BenShotIt