Hoops 4 Hope

Basketball is a team sport, but this season these individuals encapsulated aspects of the game that every team on any level need in order to rise above from a collection of parts into a stronger unified cohesive force. This is part of the message sports can teach us about life. As humans we are a collection of strengths and weaknesses and everything in between. None of us our without flaws. On our own through determination and grit, we can get places but by working together we can transcend.

Rarely if ever the tallest player on the court, Keyon still managed to dominate on the boards, finishing 2nd in rebounding for the league and 3rd in scoring. On a team with two of the league’s top guards, Keyon could dominate his man 1 on 1 but was perhaps more likely to let his guards cook and feast on the scraps if they missed, often collecting two offensive rebounds on the same possession before his defender even jumped once. An unselfish player that you could easily plug and play and watch excel on any team, you Keyon, are the real MVP.

Never one to make his presence heard, ALWAYS one to make his presence felt, Tahir often seen in his trademark Chicago Bulls basketball shorts is this years Mr Basketball. In a league with plenty of good natured chirping, it would be a mistake to take Tahir’s quiet nature as lacking in confidence. Double teamed or with the ball down 1 with ten seconds to go, Tahir’s heart rate probably never raised above that of a sleeping bear with its hand in an empty honey jar. Making threading the needle passes look like a walk in the park, or going up with picturesque 3 point shooting form, Tahir made it all look easy. On a fast break with an out of control defender barreling down sure to make what would be a foul in all 4 major sports incoming, no matter, it’s Tahir picking himself up off the ground, and headed to the free throw line for an And 1. If not, it’s a quick inhale before swishing consecutive free throws to the applause of his parents in the crowd.

(REST OF THE CAPTION IN THE COMMENTS BECAUSE UNLIKE TAHIR I AM NOT GOOD AT KEEPING THINGS SHORT AND BRIEF, smh 🤦‍♂️ )

Admin is on holiday and slacking… Couple pics so the algorithm doesn’t forget us. Awards posts will be out later this week! We just wanna stretch this thing out because we’re not ready to admit it’s the off-season 😔😢😭

Our final game also featured a very symbolic performance of our season MVP, Keyon, who earned a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds! Shoutout to Center for Hope for putting up a strong fight and keeping up with Fernwood!

Semi finals, consolation game, regular season awards, and CHAMPIONSHIP BASKETBALL!!!

The 2025 Spring Hoops 4 Hope season comes to an end tonight and though there will come a time later for reflection, right now we are bracing for fireworks and pizza! Let’s get it!!!👊🏀