SQ sports season ends with ‘Battle of the Blocks’ basketball tournament, sponsored by members of the California Model Resource Team.
Lacking the pomp and circumstance of most other California Model sponsored events, the prison’s basketball organization held its annual round-robin tournament in SQ’s packed outside courts where true ballers who love the sport played for pride and ‘Block’ recognition.
“Hell yes we won!” said Coach Hunter. “Did you think anyone could beat my team? We’ll do it again next year too,” said South Block Correction Officer I. Hunter.
Top recruited talent from West, North, and South Blocks, participated in the event that was filled with over-the-top excitement. In the end, bragging rights for the three-game, winnertake-all tournament, would prevail.
An addition to the year’s tournament, Correctional Officers from each housing unit volunteered their time and leadership to coach players leading up to the days tournament.
The talent of C/O Hunter’s South Block team included SQ Warrior stars Keyshawn “Steez” Strickland and Dejean “Duty” Evans. Combined, they showed off skills with numerous alley-oops, and thunderous dunks. Many spectators likened the talented duo to a team of high-wire performers.
She coached her team to victory. Hunter’s dream team elaborated on the importance of the days event.
“Even though we want bragging rights, It’s about bringing the community together and having fun in a safe way for everyone,” said South Block resident Keyshawn “Steez” Strickland.
Strickland, the unselfish star of the tournament, dished numerous assists to Dejean “Duty” Evans, who soared above the rim all day.
The tandem’s highlight reel was surpassed only by the ultra-close game between North and West Block- including North Block’s double-overtime 51-50 victory.
North Block stars Donnell “Sonic” Pimpton and Navion “Smoove” Sparks, spoke about the epic game.
“True ballers came out and the competition was great. The support was awesome and the practices were tough. The ‘Battle’ gives everyone a chance to come together to learn about each other and to interact positively,” said Sparks.
Pimpton added, “I’d have never thought I’d be playing a pick-up tournament with a couple of games left in our regular SQ Warrior season,” said Pimpton. The Warriors guard played in the ‘Battle’ for his first time. “There is always a risk of injury.”
Sparks demanded Pimpton be named MVP of the entire tournament.
“The Lower Yard court was packed with residents who were trash-talking all day as they cheered on their blocks, and without all the fan faire of the California Model, it was great to just see true ballers play,” said SQ Warriors head coach Jeremiah “JB” Brown.
Pimpton and Sparks made note of laughable moments that happened throughout the event.
“The funniest thing I saw on the court was when June (Aaron Miles) received a tech (technical foul) because he was talking to his own teammates. The ref thought he was talkin’ to them [refs].” Pimpton said. “June’s expression was hilarious!” Sparks also laughed at what he observed. “My funniest memory of most games is always seeing [ref]‘Ish’s’ dance when he calls fouls.
Event organizer and referee, Ishmael “Ish” Freelon presented co-MPV’s, Velteese “Teese” Mathis; Dejean “Duty” Evans; and Delvon “Delvy” Adams, with MVP plaques of the tournament.
“Man, the entertainment value was unbelievable. I watched every game because they were so close. The games were equal, competitive, and just an over-all great time,” said Brown.
The fans around the landmark court all agreed.
