Burgers & Basketball in NYC

NEW YORK CITY - The temperature approached 100 degrees over the weekend but that never stops two things in New York City - Cookouts and basketball. Sunday was no different as barbequed food was being served in Queens and with a side order of basketball in Brooklyn.

For 25 years, Positive Direction Basketball has been shaping the lives of girls and boys through participation in tournaments as well as through educational and emotional support. Founder Joann Arbitello-Pinnock has run the program for over two decades without the support of shoe companies but through hard work, fundraisers and support from the community.

To celebrate the milestone, on Sunday, the PD Nation held a cookout at St. Clare’s Academy in Rosedale, NY which also serves as headquarters for Positive Direction. After a healthy meal and pleasant conversation, this writer was fueled and ready to head to Brooklyn to attend the 2nd Annual Isaiah Whitehead Cookout at Coney Island Park (West 27 & Mermaid).

This event also featured food and libation but the large crowd was additionally entertained by an All-star game that touted many of the top New York players. The contest included some recent graduates including Rashond Salnave ‘16, Cahiem Brown ‘16. Jahlil Tripp '16 and 6’5” Emmanuel Egbuta ‘16 but also current high school stars.

Under that watchful eye of the event’s host Isaiah Whitehead (Brooklyn Nets), there was an abundance of talent assembled for the evening game. Players that stood out during the frequent one-on-one battles that erupted were Marquis Nowell ‘18, Isaiah Washington ‘17 and Donald Flores ‘18. The high flyers of the day were Hamidou Diallo ‘17 ,Tripp and Egbuta. Team Coney Island would protected its home turf defeating Team NYC with Brown earning MVP honors.

All-in-all, it was a great day of burgers and basketball, the two things that oftentimes keeps kids out of trouble..