Youth Set Up for Slam Dunk Season
By Nicole Fogarty
Henry Street youth and coaches huddle up before a BGR basketball game.
They just might go all the way!
Henry Street’s outstanding Boys & Girls Republic (BGR) youth basketball teams are set to square off against rival teams from Union Settlement and the Community Association of Progressive Dominicans in the finals of the citywide Saturday Night Lights (SNL) Championship Tournament this Friday night, May 18, 2018.
Henry Street’s SNL basketball program has three teams: 18U (ages 18 & under), 16U (ages 16 & under) and 13U (ages 13 and under). All three have enjoyed unheard-of seasons; 18U remains undefeated and will be defending their 2017 Championship title in the finals, while both 13U and 16U have lost only one game each.
All three games will be held in the gym at BGR at 888 East 6th Street, starting at 6:30 p.m.
This weeks-long tournament is the first of its kind for the SNL initiative – previous years’ tournaments were held on one day. The new format has provided Settlement youth with the opportunity to travel throughout the city to play games and connect with other members of the SNL community, and to grow as both athletes and people.
“I’ve seen remarkable behavioral changes in the players, especially in how they respond to coaches, opponents, teammates, and tough losses,” said BGR Sports & Recreation Coordinator Luis Checa. “They’re showing good sportsmanship and are taking pride in representing BGR and Henry Street to New York City during the tournament.”
“I’m proud of the team’s extraordinary sportsmanship and hard work,” said David Garza, Executive Director of Henry Street. “And I’m equally proud of the coaches and BGR staff who support the effort, both on and off the court.”
Garza may be the basketball program’s biggest fan – he’s been on the sidelines at just about every game this season, home and away.
SNL is a collaboration between the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Agency, ProHoops, the Police Athletic League and community partners like Henry Street that aims to combat youth violence by opening gyms in underserved Manhattan neighborhoods during high-crime times – Saturday nights. Funded by asset forfeiture funds, youth participate in eight weeks of workouts and drills with professional basketball trainers to build their skills.
Update (5/21/18): All three BGR basketball teams emerged from the Championship Tournament victorious! The 18U team was undefeated with a 12-0 record, while both 13U and 16U finished up the season with records of 11-1. Congratulations to everyone involved!
