The visiting Lincoln Hill basketball team took the San Quentin Warriors into over- time but fell short, 77-66. “Great game; one of the best games we had,” Lincoln Hill center Dominique Thompson said. “A lot of lead changes—tight until the end.” Lincoln Hill, named after the church of pastor Miguel Rodriquez, visits the court on the prison yard more to win over souls than to win the game. In fact, Rodriquez had just returned from a trip to Japan, a country he says is less than 1 percent Christian, to spread the gospel. Still, Lincoln Hill … [Read more...] about San Quentin Warriors take visiting Lincoln Hill in overtime
SQ Warriors
S.Q. Warriors take trophy back
The San Quentin Warriors won again! For the second straight year, the prison’s premiere basketball team beat the Golden State Warriors squad of staffers 93-85 in a community atmosphere that featured NBA-playoff intensity. The victory had particular significance for San Quentin power forward Harry “ATL” Smith, who paroled a few days after the game. “All praise is due to God,” Smith said. “It’s bigger than basketball. This program has really been my family. When I get out, I plan to continue repping the Warriors and Jesus … [Read more...] about S.Q. Warriors take trophy back
Valley Boys teach Warriors to guide loss into power
The Valley Boys, nine basketball players from Marin, came into San Quentin and beat the Warriors 81-75 in a thrilling game that came down to a blocked shot and last-minute turnovers. “It was awesome, a good opportunity for everyone to have fun,” said Valley Boy Skylar Chavez, who led all scorers with 23 points, mostly off pull-up jumpers. “On top of that, we got the win.” It was the first time the Valley Boys played basketball inside a prison. The team included three former players from the Drake High School team that went to the State … [Read more...] about Valley Boys teach Warriors to guide loss into power
‘Future of SQ Warriors’ learned to play in prison
San Quentin Warrior Montrell Vines goes by many nicknames on the basketball court. Some people call him “Mad Defense” for his lockdown dee. Other’s call him “Jack that thing up” for his quick release three-point attempts. His coach, Rafael Cuevas, calls him the future of the team. What many people don’t know is that Vines never played basketball on the streets. “I learned to play basketball in prison,” Vines said. “I never thought I would make the team, then I did and I got to foul Mark Jackson a few times.” Vines’ upbringing didn’t include a … [Read more...] about ‘Future of SQ Warriors’ learned to play in prison
Living the good life after prison
What does it take for a man coming out of prison to be successful in society? It took moral support from community members for formerly incarcerated Nathaniel A. Johnson, support such as that from Pastor Steve “Big Red” Sanderson. “The state typically spends $71,000 a year to house an inmate. It costs about $5,000 total to help put one [incarcerated] student through community college”, reports Fast Company. Without this kind of encouragement, Johnson might have ended up back in prison. He is now a production associate at Tesla, making enough … [Read more...] about Living the good life after prison