It’s hard to believe that the summer basketball season in New York City is coming to a close. This past Tuesday, Nike NYC’s “NYvsNY” hosted their boys and girls semi-finals. All season long, we’ve covered the intense matchups between the boroughs’ best high school players. From Dyckman to Harlem, the Bronx, and Brooklyn, NYvsNY took it back to Queens for Tuesday night’s games. Lincoln Park hosted four matchups in front of a packed-out crowd.
And it wouldn’t be NYvsNY without a few special guests either. The “Sabrina’s Deli” pop-up activation, hinted at one of the guests who would sit courtside later in the day. The interactive set-up included a classic arcade basketball game, a custom t-shirt station, and a House of Hoops by Footlocker food truck. The menu boasted items like the “Triple Double,” “Coast to Coast,” and “The Extra Saucy.”
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As mentioned, you never know who will pull up at an NYvsNY game. Announced later in the afternoon, New York Liberty’s, Sabrina Ionescu was joined by comedian and social media star Druski and Harlem’s own, Jim Jones.
To kick things off, the girls took to the court in a battle for a spot in the Finals. West 4th faced off against Uptown Challenge, followed by a grueling match-up between Gersh and Watson. Both games were neck-and-neck, and it really could’ve gone either way in both games. Uptown Challenge would come out victorious in a 60-57 win over West 4th, and the defending champs, Gersh, would outplay Watson in a 56-48 win.
Next, the boys would duke it out on the court as the sun set and the park lights came on. Like the girls’ matchup, Gersh would also face off against Watson, while Dyckman and the home team, Lincoln Park, tipped off in the evening’s final game.
With each team equipped with the best-of-the-best rosters, each of the boys’ games were also thrillers. With the Watson girls out, the boys looked to represent The Bronx in the finals. Gersh, however, had other plans in mind. The defending champions are clearly hungry for a back-to-back appearance and a win in the Finals. Watson nearly took the game into overtime but missed free throws determined their fate. Gersh would win 85-65.
In the last game of the night, Dyckman and Lincoln Park made it a close game until the latter started pulling away in front of their home crowd. The pure athleticism Lincoln Park showcased proved that they’re deserving of a spot in the Finals. They lit up the court with an impressive display of dunks throughout the game. Dyckman did their best to keep up with fast breaks of their own, but Lincoln Park would come out victorious, 67-56.
Now the stage is set for the Finals, which occur this Saturday at the iconic Rucker Park. The Uptown Challenge ladies have a chance to stop the Gersh Girls from making history, while we have a boys rematch from 2022! It’s going to be a movie in Harlem!!
Photos by: @w.e.d.mcneill
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