Saved by the Ball hosted a three-on-three basketball tournament for youth earlier this month at co-host Young Men’s Education Network’s (YMEN) new outdoor court. It was all about the youth, as different ages and different teams represented a connection between a number of the community’s youth.
The youth were excited about the event. Leo Harvey and his teammates believed they had everything to win the tournament. “We have everything to win this tournament. I don’t believe that anyone could beat us, but it’s exciting that we get to play basketball. YMEN even provided us with these jerseys to wear during the tournament, so it’s looking good already.”
The three-on-three tournament represented the youth in the community well. Some Saved By the Ball members participate, but they already have forgotten about the YMEN alumni who will also be playing in the tourney.
Setting the Foundation of Tomorrow
The YMEN alumni were ready to defend their home-court advantage; they wanted to ensure they faced the Saved By the Ball team. They had many teams in their path, but it seemed to be easy for them as they’d had chemistry for years.
“It was good to be able to represent YMEN in the tournament. However, we need to just focus on one team at a time this is a tournament anyone can get eliminated by even just one point. If we don’t take a team seriously then we are going home.” The YMEN alumni went undefeated in this tournament. They made sure to leave their mark by getting a first-round bye, but on the other side, sitting in the second seed is the Saved By the Ball crew.
One participant had this to say about the tournament “YMEN told us about the Saved By the Ball tournament and I simply accepted the challenge of being able to come out here and hoop. It’s hot out here, but hey I want to hoop.”
Bigger than Just Basketball
The tournament seemed to have become a success, as more of the youth are starting to get comfortable with the new outdoor court in YMEN’s backyard. It becomes bigger than basketball as these youth build relationships on the court that will possibly transfer off the court.
Those relationships could last for a lifetime if they are able to see the bigger meaning behind basketball. It is a key sport in the community.
It was good to watch different age groups from different neighborhoods come together in the community. Black youth are a crucial part of the Chicago population, and, as a community, it goes without saying that Chicago’s youth are the future. There were times when unity like this would not have been as easily accepted as it is now.
Changing the Game
During the post-COVID-19 era, it’s time for the community to embrace and learn from the past. It’s easier to build families and friends but to build a stable community is where hard work comes in. Based on the conclusion of the tournament, it was safe the say the athletic world is in good hands. Creating stability at a young age helps create more engagement in life.
Saved By the Ball defeated the YMEN alumni 50-41 after a battle of intensity and trusting their teammates. The tournament focused on showcasing the community’s youth’s talents. It’s safe to say that these kids won’t forget about their work in the tournament, not now and not ever.
Written by Semetrius Holmes
Edited by Sheena Robertson
Sources: Interviewed Leo Harvey, and others on August 12, 2022
Images Courtesy of Semetrius Holmes
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