ALL STAR BASKETBALL PLAYERS COME TOGETHER TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE NORTH MINNEAPOLIS TORNADO VICTIMS

A tornado ripped through parts of north Minneapolis on Sunday, May 22, 2011. The tornado tore down houses and up rooted trees. On July 23, 2001 there was an all star basketball game that was made up of former high school players. Former Minneapolis Patrick Henry boys’ basketball coach Larry Mckensie started an origination. The Above the Rim Sports Foundation created by the current Academy of Holy Angels and former Minneapolis Patrick Henry boys’ basketball coach is a pending 501(c) (3) non-profit organization for the purpose of assisting with daily challenges of young men, with an emphasis on young African-American males.

Its mission is to use basketball as a tool to empower young men to become champions in the classroom, in their families and their communities.

Game Plan Marketing and Events is a full service sports marketing company working with professional athletes for marketing and events from development to fruition. The two principals in the company are Mark Stein, who has over 15 years experience in working with professional athletes and events and Orieon Thurston, who has over 15 years experience in working with the youth and charitable organizations. The teams were split up equally. They were named after north side parks, North Commons and Fairview.

The game started out with both teams bringing the ball up the court. Steve Neal for North Commons had some good moves.

The score went back and forth throughout the first quarter. 

Kammron Taylor was all over the floor. On the offensive end he was able to find the basket and score baskets with ease. He was all over the court.

After the first quarter the score was North Commons 34 and Fairview 31.

 

Lawrence Armand McKenzie brought the ball down the court and was also able to take his defenders off the dribble. 

Dammian Johnson who played basketball at the University of Minnesota was able to fake out his opponent. He was able to blow by them and get easy baskets.

At halftime the score was Fairview 57 and North Commons 55.

As the third quarter got underway both teams continued to shoot the ball well. The score went back and forth throughout the quarter. Neither team was able to go on a run.

Both teams tried to throw alley oops to each to each other. That made it interesting for the fans that were in attendance.

The game remained close throughout third quarter.

At the end of the third quarter the score was North Commons 94 and Fairview 90.

As the fourth quarter got underway both teams seemed to step up the intensity on both ends of the court. They were still having fun and getting everyone involved in the plays.

North Commons went on a run midway through the fourth quarter. Fairview didn't get down on themselves as they continued to shoot the ball and get by defenders.

The game came down to the wire. In the end North Commons came away with the 135-113 victory over Fairview.

INFORMATION INVESTORS GROUP TOOK ON 123PRINT.COM IN A PLAYOFF BASKETBALL GAME

Information Investors Group took on 123Print.com in a playoff basketball game of the Howard Pulley Pro City Summer League.

Both teams did a good job of shooting the ball in the early goings. They were able to go after rebounds and dive on the floor for loose balls.

The score went back and forth throughout the first quarter. They did a good job of figuring out where they were supposed to be on the court.

At the end of the first quarter the score was 123Print.com 32 and Information Investors 20.

As the second quarter got underway both teams came out attacking the basket. They were not afraid to shoot the ball.

Deandre Townsend for 123Print.com took the ball hard to the basket. He was able to hit his shots that he was putting up throughout the first half.

Both teams looked to push the ball down the court. They did a good job get running and scoring in transition.

123Print.com was able to go on a run late in the second quarter. Information Investors didn't get down on themselves as they were not able hit shots that they were putting up.

At halftime the score was 123Print.com 60 and Information Investors Group 50.

As the third quarter got underway 123Print.com continued to look to pass the ball around the three-point line. They were able to take time off the shot clock.

Andre Hollins for Information Investors did a good job of shooting the ball. He was able to hit shots from any where on the court.

Aaron Ernest Anderson was all over the court. He was able to dribble around his defenders and make his way to the basket.

Andre Hollins did a good job of getting to the basket late in the third quarter. He was able to make the shots that he put up.

At the end of the third quarter the score was 123Print.com 88 and Information Investors Group 76.

123Print.com continued to shoot the ball well in the fourth quarter. Information Investors Group did however try to make a comeback in the fourth quarter.

Information Investors Group went on a run midway through the fourth quarter.

123Print.com was able to come away with the 120-110 victory over Information Investors Group. 

ALL STAR GAME TO BENEFIT NORTH MINNEAPOLIS TORNADO RELIEF EFFORTS

Minneapolis, MN (July 8, 2011) - The Above The Rim Sports Foundation and Game Plan Marketing will host an All-Star Basketball Game on Saturday, July 23,2011 at Minneapolis Patrick Henry 3p.m-5 p.m. to raise monies for our neighbors impacted by the May 22^nd tornado.

The game will feature many of the former stars from the Minnesota basketball community including: Johnnie Gilbert, Troy Bell, Lawrence McKenzie, Damian Johnson, Jamel Staten, Levi Jones, Angelo Johnson, Al Nolen and more. Proceeds will be donated to Pillsbury United Communities Tornado Relief Effort.

The Above the Rim Sports Foundation created by the current Academy of Holy Angels and former Minneapolis Patrick Henry Boy’s Basketball Coach is a pending 501(c) (3) non-profit organization for the purpose of assisting with daily challenges of young men, with an emphasis on young African-American males.

Its mission is to use basketball as a tool to empower young men to become champions in the classroom, in their families and their communities.

Game Plan Marketing and Events is a full service sports marketing company working with professional athletes for marketing and events from development to fruition. The two principles in the company are Mark Stein, who has over 15 years experience in working with professional athletes and events and Orieon Thurston, who has over 15 years experience in working with the youth and charitable organizations.

Tickets are $10.00 for Adults, $5.00 for Children, Under 6 is admitted Free.

# # #

If you would like more information about this event, please contact Larry McKenzie at 763-458-5450 or Mark Stein at 763-657-0216.

FUNDAMENTALLY SOUND ATHLETICS TOOK ON INFORMATION INVESTORS GROUP IN A BASKETBALL GAME

Fundamentally Sound Athletics took on Information Investors Group in a basketball contest. The game got off to a quick start as both teams traded baskets in the opening minutes.

Rodney Williams for Fundamentally Sound Athletics came through with some nice two handed slam dunks in the first quarter.

He wouldn't be out done as Joe Coleman who went up against him and is a Gopher teammate had a few nice slam dunks himself.

At the end of the first quarter the score was Information Investors 30 and Fundamentally Sound Athletics 29.

The score went back and forth for a good portion of the first half. Neither team was able to go on a run in the first half.

Both teams were able to use the shot clock to their advantage as they were able to take time off the clock and get easy shots.

At halftime the score was Information Investors Group 63 and Fundamentally Sound Athletics 54.

Fundamentally Sound Athletics went on a run to open the third quarter. They came out with a lot of energy.

Information Investors Group didn't back down. They kept on pounding the ball inside and were also able to hit shots from all over the court.

At the end of the third quarter the score was Information Investors Group 89 and Fundamentally Sound Athletics 78.

Information Investors Group went on a run to open up the fourth quarter. They were able to keep hitting shots.

Fundamentally Sound Athletics also went on a shooting spree late in the contest.

Rodney Williams came through with some nice slam dunks throughout the game. He was able to keep his team in the game with making shots.

Information Investors Group came away with the 129-115 victory over Fundamentally Sound Athletics.

PAT MADISON MAGIC TOOK ON EL-AMIN FISH HOUSE IN A PLAYOFF BASKETBALL GAME OF THE HOWARD PULLEY PRO CITY LEAGUE

The  playoffs are underway and Pat Madison Magic took on El-Amin Fish House. El-Amin Fish House got off to a quick start. They were able to get to a quick 10-5 lead with 7:00 left in the first quarter.

Pat Madison looked to get the ball out of the net on the defensive end and they looked to score baskets in transition.

Kevin Henderson for El-Amin Fish House found the basket as he was able to drive to the lane and get some nice baskets.

Dan Coleman looked good around the basket for El-Amin Fish House. He was able to get rebounds on both sides of the court. On the offensive end he would get the rebounds and put them back up.

Bruce Price for El-Amin Fish House drove to the basket and was able to get some nice easy baskets.

At the end of the first quarter the score was El-Amin Fish House 26 and Pat Madison Magic 20.

Bruce Price and Dan Coleman were able to feed off each other and they were able to get to ball to each other and finish plays.

EL-Amin Fish House looked to keep pushing the ball down the court and they were able to score easy baskets in transition.

Pat Madison Magic did not get frustrated when they were not able to hit shots. They kept on shooting the ball.

Pat Madison did a good job of chipping off the defect. They didn't get down on themselves when they were not making shots.

At the end of the second quarter the score was El-Amin Fish House 51 and Pat Madison Magic 42.

As the third quarter got underway El-Amin Fish House started to go on a run. Pat Madison Magic looked for ways to slow down El-Amin Fish House.

Both teams played very aggressively. Neither team gave up any easy shots.

Dan Coleman had some nice breakaway slam dunks in the third quarter.

El-Amin Fish House gained a lot of confidence in their shots late in the quarter.

At the end of three quarters of play the score was El-Amin Fish House 80 and Pat Madison Magic 72.

Pat Madison Magic went on a run to open up the third quarter. They were able to slow down El-Amin Fish House.

El-Amin Fish House kept on pounding the ball inside. They did a good job of getting everyone involved in the plays.

Pat Madison Magic was not able to make shots throughout the game. El-Amin Fish House was a little bit quicker.

El-Amin Fish House came away with the 115-103 victory over Pat Madison Magic.

MILLER TIME TOOK ON 123PRINT.COM IN PLAYOFF ACTION

123Print.com took on Miller Time in playoff action of the 2011 Howard Pulley Pro City Summer League.

The game started out at a good pace as each team did a good job of passing the ball around the three-point line and taking a lot of time off of the shot clock.

Both teams were able to get the ball out of the net and take it down to the other end of the court and get a lot of fast break opportunities.

Moe Lamar Hargrow for 123print.com was able to find the basket in the first quarter. He was able to get his shot going.

At the end of the first quarter the score was 123Print.com 26 and Miller Time 19.

Both teams did a good job of defending. There were many different times that everyone had to take a difficult shot.

123Print.com went on a run midway through the second quarter. Miller Time didn't let that faze them as they were able to apply pressure

At halftime the score was 123Print.com 45 and Miller Time 41.

As the third quarter got underway both teams picked up the intensity. Tyus Robert Jones did a good job of taking the ball to the basket for Miller Time.

Both teams went on runs midway through the third quarter. When one team went on a run the other team didn't worry too much as they looked to slow them down.

123Print.com did however end up going on a run late in the third quarter. Neither team gave up fighting.

At the end of the third quarter the score was 123Print.com 74 and Miller Time 61.

As the fourth quarter got underway both teams kept pounding the inside.

Tyus Robert Jones did a good job of defending his guy. He didn't let him get any good looks at the basket.

The game came down to the end. The score went back and forth in the last two minutes of the contest.

123Print.com came away with the 97-92 victory over Miller Time.

INFORMATION INVESTORS TOOK ON PAT MADISON MAGIC IN A BASKETBALL GAME

Information Investors Group took on Pat Madison Magic in a basketball contest in the Howard Pulley Pro City Summer League.

The game got off to a late start because players were late arriving to the game. That didn't stop the intensity of the game though. Both teams showed up and looked to set a quick tempo from the beginning.

Aaron Ernest Anderson for Information Investors Group did good job of getting the ball down the court for his team. He knew were his teammates were on the court and he was able to deliver the ball to them where they were able to get good shots.

The score went back and forth throughout the first quarter. Both teams did a good job of defending throughout the first quarter.

At the end of the first quarter the score was Information Investors Group 30 and Pat Madison 26.

Pat Madison went on a run to begin the second quarter. Information Investors didn't give up. They kept on shooting the ball and making good passes.

At halftime the score was Pat Madison 62 and Information Investors Group 47.

As the third quarter got underway Pat Madison continued to hit shots. They were more aggressive than Information Investors. Both teams went after each other though and neither team gave up.

Pat Madison came away with the 96-73 victory in a game that there was not much interest shown by either team.

ERROL CARLSTROM PLAYAZ TOOK ON HIGH PERFORMANCE ACADEMY IN A BASKETBALL CONTEST

Errol Carlstrom Playaz took on the High Performance Academy a basketball game. Errol Carlstrom Playaz was able to get out to a 11-0 lead with 8:00 left in the first quarter.

High Performance Academy looked to get the ball into the hands of guard Troy Bell. Bell was able to dribble his past the defenders and hit shots that he put up.

Errol Carlstrom Playaz was able to hit shots in the first quarter. They took it to the High Performance Academy.

Jamar Anthony Diggs for Errol Carlstrom Playaz took the ball hard to the basket. He was all over the floor.

At the end of the first quarter the score was Errol Carlstrom Playaz 28 and High Performance Academy 21.

As the second quarter got underway both teams continued to go at the basket. Bell was not afraid to get his teammates involved in the plays. If he thought that his teammates had a better shot he would get them the ball and they would shoot it.

Errol Carlstrom Playaz went on a run midway through the second quarter. High Performance Academy had a hard time making their shots.

At halftime the score was Errol Carlstrom Playaz 62 and High Performance Academy 42.

As the third quarter got underway both teams seemed to pick up the intensity on both ends of the court. Teddy Archer came in off the bench for High Performance Academy and looked to get this team back into the game.

Troy was also able to bring down rebounds on both ends of the court.

High Performance Academy didn't back down throughout the game. They kept on trying to claw back and get into the game.

Teddy Fedric Archer who was playing for High Performance Academy was able to find the basket and make some nice shots.

At the end of the third quarter the score was Errol Carlstrom Playaz 82 and High Performance Academy 75.

High Performance Academy looked to shoot the ball from anywhere on the court. They were not afraid to shoot it.

High Performance Academy didn't back down throughout the whole game. They fought hard and had a hard time making shots. In the end Errol Carlstrom Playaz came away with the 108-96 victory.

I thought that Troy Bell played well throughout the game. He knew where his players were at all time and was able to get his shot going and did a good job of handling the ball.

FUNDAMENTALLY SOUND ATHLETICS TOOK ON PAT MADISON MAGIC IN THE HOWARD PULLEY PRO CITY SUMMER LEAGUE BASKETBALL GAME

Fundamentally Sound Athletics took on Pat Madison Magic in a basketball game. The game got off to a quick start as each team was able to hit shots.

David Hicks for Fundamentally Sound Athletics took the ball hard to the basket.

At the and of the first quarter the score was Pat Madison Magic 27 and Fundamentally Sound Athletics 22.

Rodney Maurice Williams made some nice dunks in the second quarter. He was also able to step back and knock down some nice mid-range shots.

Maverick Ahanmisi took the ball hard to the basket. He was able to hit his shot that he was putting up.

Josh Figini for Pat Madison Magic was able to connect on shots that he put up throughout the first half.

The score went back and forth throughout the half.

The game was intense throughout the first half. At halftime the score was Pat Madison Magic 51 and Fundamentally Sound Athletics 49.

As the third quarter got underway both teams shot the ball well. Rodney Williams continued to show promise on the court as he was able to step up and knock down shots.

The score went back and forth throughout the third quarter.

At the end of the third quarter the score was Fundamentally Sound Athletics 74 and Pat Madison Magic 69.

Pat Madison Magic went on a run in the fourth quarter.

The referees got tech happy as they seemed to be calling technical fouls on guys midway in the fourth quarter. That got the players angry and it was hard for players to keep their composure.

The game got out of hand midway though the forth quarter. I thought guys on both teams lost their composure on both ends of the court.

One highlight of the game was the play Rodney Maurice Williams who played extremely well. He was able to get up and make some nice plays around the basket.

Fundamentally Sound Athletics came away with the 103-83 victory. 

INFORMATION INVESTORS GROUP TOOK ON EL AMIN FISH HOUSE IN A BASKETBALL GAME IN THE HOWARD PULLEY PRO CITY SUMMER LEAGUE

After a week off to celebrate the United States Independence Day the Howard Pulley Pro City Summer League got underway again. In the first game of the evening Information Investors Group took on El-Amin Fish House in a basketball game. The game got off to a quick start as each team looked to push the ball down the court and score baskets in transition.

Information Investors looked to get the ball into the hands of Zach Towle. Zach was all over the court as he was able to dribble around his defenders. Zach was also able to find the basket and hit his shots.

Aaron Ernest Anderson for Information Investors was able to blow by his defenders and find the basket for easy baskets.

The score went back and forth throughout a good portion of the first quarter.

Information Investors Group's Peter James Crawford looked to get his teammates involved in the offense. He would pass the ball around the three-point line and let his teammates know if they had a good shot.

Kevin Henderson for El-Amin Fish House took the ball hard to the basket and was able to find his shot late in the first quarter.

At the end of the first quarter the score was El-Amin Fish House 36 and Information Investors Group 32.

Johan Travis took the ball hard to the basket and came away with some nice two handed slam dunks. He kept his team in the game.

Both teams took their time on the offense end. They each used a lot of time off of the shot clock.

El Amin Fish House went on a run late in the second quarter. Kevin Thompson for El-Amin Fish House found the basket late in the half. He was able to make some key shots late in the half.

At halftime the score was El-Amin Fish House 67 and Information Investors 60.

El-Amin Fish House continued to take the ball hard to the basket. They continued to take the best shot that they thought that they could make.

Information Investors didn't back down though. They kept on fighting to the end.

At the end of the third quarter the score was El-Amin Fish House 105 Information Investors 93.

Information Investors opened up the fourth quarter on a run. They were down 7 with 8:00 left in regulation.

El-Amin Fish House continued to push the ball down the court. Information Investors didn't back down and fought throughout the whole game.

El Amin Fish House came away with the 131-123 victory over Information Investors. 

 

GET TO KNOW HOLY FAMILY'S DUNCAN LEO FARIS

Duncan Leo Faris was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on July 10th, 1995.

He is a Freshman at Holy Family High School in Victoria, MN where he will graduate in 2014 and is on the basketball team.

Faris grew up in the Lake Calhoun area of Minneapolis.

He plays AAU basketball for the Howard Pulley team. This summer Faris is traveling around the country and working on his game with the Howard Pulley team.

Next year he is considering competing in track and football for his team.

His plans for the summer are traveling around the country with Howard Pulley and working on his game everyday of the week.

Faris loves his high school, his family, and basketball and his city. In his spare time he writes hip hop music. Faris has aspirations of one day being a player, a coach, a sports journalist, or set up his own charity. He is trying to live by the message of  his God and outwork people and push harder than anyone else trying to achieve his goals today so that he can seize his dreams tomorrow.