Make A Play Vs Felipe Lopez Foundation
Online, June 22, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Nothing explains street ball better than New York City basketball. Make A Play was fortunate to host a Summer Scrimmage Event on June 14 with the Felipe Lopez Foundation, and support from our sponsors such as Team Snap.
Our event started in the peak of the morning at the Amistad Dual Language School up in the bustling streets of Washington Heights. As kids trickled in and were greeted with hearty KIND Healthy Grain Bars, the excitement of competitive ball was in the air. MAP Coaches Rafael and Estephan prepped their 12 & under kids to expect quite a challenge versus the well-developed team of former NBA player Felipe Lopez.
As Coach Felipe and his army of trotters entered the gym, an instant respect for each other's foundation was already developing for one another. That alone shows growth, maturity, and pure love for the game. Hand shakes, head nods, or even passing a bottle of HINT water to their opposing team was actually happening, to the staff's amazement.
The referees called the 12U teams to action and it was game time! MAP kept it close in the first, but due to lack of size, the FE boys saw their advantage and took control of the circumstance. MAP didn't slow down or give up. Instead they showed tremendous effort in the 4th quarter to try to catch up and lessen FE's lead. All in all, it was a great scrimmage for our 12U boys, whom showed dedication and perseverance.
It was then time for our 14 & under teams to show strength, durability and experience with Make A Play's towering kids. All four quarters had us on the edge of our seats, as it remained close throughout, and never spread more than double digits. At the half, Coach Felipe Lopez was telling his kids to push their defense and box out their defender. While Coach Rande and Coach Rafael couldn't express enough the valued aspect to "pass & cut" repeatedly. At the final 2 minute mark, it came down to the MAP team making free throws, but falling short just 4 points, to give the FE team the W.
The Scrimmage event was a complete success, and seeing the competitive drive in all the kids is what made it so successful. The sportsmanship, teamwork, and passion for the game is what keeps Make A Play and the Felipe Lopez Foundation striving to do our best for our community. Our youth is what makes the difference, for the better.
Without the support of our sponsors, all of this would not be possible! Team Snap has been such a compliment for Make A Play, and will be of tremendous help setting up our teams this summer. And amazing brands like KIND, Dippin' Chips, HINT Water, Earth Balance, GoGo Squeeze, & Fresh Direct providing delicious, nourishing treats. Last but not least, unique swag from Nooka Watches, and Polar Water Bottles for all the trotters.
If you missed the event, you can get a glimpse of it here: http://www.makeaplay.org/gallery.html