The third annual Graced Out Ministry Four-on-Four Basketball Tournament had the San Quentin Gym packed.
The team of Harry “ATL” Smith, Donte Smith, Montrell Vines, Marvin Cosby and Derrick Cartwright took first place, winning 25-24.
“I just do what I do, but really it’s a team thing,” said D. Smith, the game MVP.
Over 45 participated to form eight teams, which consisted of four players and one reserve.
The winner was the first team to score 15 points, going by ones from inside the arc and two from outside the three-point line. The championship final game was the first team to score 25 points.
D. Smith set the stage early by dominating the boards and grabbing defensive rebounds. He led his team in rebounding and scored 9 points. H. Smith added 7, Vines, 4, Cosby, 2 and Cartwright, 3.
H. Smith gave a Lebron James performance by taking over scoring the final points, using his strength and speed to power his way to the basket.
“First I want to give praise to my Lord and savior Jesus Christ. I was happy just to be a part of this outing for the youth. I thank the Graced Out Youth leadership,” said H. Smith. Then he shouted, “Hey mom, I love you!”
The championship did not come easy. The battle-tested team of Joshua Burton, Larry Jones, Edward Moss, Keith Lollis and Eric Curtis fought their way back into the game. After being down 14-5, they went on a 6-0 run off the sharp shooting of Jones.
They closed the gap 14-11, with a series of fouls and good defense. They took the lead at 21-19.
Curtis put in a hook shot, and Jones dropped a midrange jumper for a 24-23 lead at game point.
Jones rushed his next shot and a disputed out-of-bounds call left the ball in Vines’ wide-open hands. He sank the two-pointer jumper for the win on March 28.
“I enjoyed the tournament; I can’t lie, “ATL” abused me. I know I at least got him by 20 years,” said Curtis.
The scariest play of the tournament came when Curtis “Wall Street” Carroll bumped heads with teammate Vernon Britten when both went for a rebound in the semi-finals.
The collision laid both teammates out. Carroll was taken away on a stretcher. He returned later after being diagnosed with a concussion.
“I thank everybody for being concerned about me,” said Carroll.
Jones took Carroll’s place in the semi-final game, leading a stunning comeback win after being down 14-6.
The win sent them into the finals. Carroll and Britten still received their second place prize with the rest of the team.
The third place winners were J. Brown, Derrick Holloway, Tim Thomas, W. Jackson and reserve Reginald Hola.
Earlier in the tournament, their team won a close game, 15-14, to reach the semi-finals.
“It wasn’t just about the competition; we wanted to show our compassion, strength and humbleness as men,” said Holloway.
Fanon Figgers of the youth ministry added, “We wanted to show unity and fellowship from the church to everybody – to let them know this is not just a Sunday thing.”
The tournament ended with a crowd raffle. James Metters presented the winner with a new Bible and toiletries.
All prizes were donated by the Graced Out Youth Ministry and the Garden Chapel.
Youth ministry coordinators were Ferrari Moody, Carl Saldano, Dwight Kennedy, Antoine Watie and Antwan Williams.
“This was beautiful – to get the youth involved, to introduce Christ into their lives,” said Saldano. “We want to get the youth involve in positive things. San Quentin is a unique environment to utilize these programs. We help the youth with their educational needs as well. There is life after this, and we want them to be better.”
More information about Curtis “Wall Street” Carroll can be found at www.wallstreetfeel.com
