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.