Kids hit the basketball courts for Bed-Stuy All Star Weekend

Youth basketball ballers from around the borough competed in Bed-Stuy All Star Weekend Sunday as part of a tournament hosted by Stuy Nights in partnership with Zone 6 basketball league.

The event saw both girls and boys’ basketball teams face off, as well as an adult team of former professional and college players.

Organizers and coaches say the event provides great structure and rewards hard practice and discipline for the kids, something they say they need in the summer months.

“I think that basketball for the summer helps them a lot. There are a lot of kids are bored. A lot of kids can’t go into different neighborhoods, So being an athlete is the way to go,” said Rah Jennings, coach of Flair Ball.

Jennings says he has been coaching teams in the tournament for five years and is proud of the kids’ ability to take it seriously and put on a serious display of skill.

Zone 6 associate and former college basketball player Allie Moogan participated in the adult game. She said she enjoyed seeing the strength of the girls on the court, and the enthusiasm that all the teams got from the hometown crowd.

“Just seeing this, the growth of girls playing in Zone 6 has been amazing. But girls’ basketball across New York City has always been super competitive,” Moogan said.

The group also hosted a clinic with Nets and Liberty players that saw over 75 children come out to learn from the pros.

After the games players were awarded MVP trophies, and a photo-op – something organizers from Stuy Nights said was key to give kids the sense of accomplishment for their efforts, as well as celebrate local musical acts and vendors present at the event.

Organizers say they hope to see an equally enthusiastic turnout for All Star Volume 2 this August.