The New Haven Heat’s win in the 2015 Hoop it Up street basketball competition earned them a spot in the championship in Atlantic City where they claimed the national title.
“It was people from all over the US like New York, Chicago, and all other states,” said Enasj Jones of New Haven.
He was part of the national championship team when he played with them in New Haven last summer. He couldn’t travel for the championships because they took place during football season. That’s given him more reason to help his team get there again. First, they have to prove they’re still the best on the street.
“The draw is that everybody’s seeing everybody out here showcase their stuff,” said Patrick Carpenter of Hamden.
Carpenter’s son Aidan was part of the national championship team, too. Aidan said he was ready to defend the title but more importantly he was looking forward to having a good time.
“It’s fun because I’m playing with all my friends and we’re having fun,” said the 15-year-old Carpenter.
“It’s totally connecting everybody together,” said New Haven Youth Services Director Jason Bartlett.
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Bartlett invited the Hoop It Up organization to New Haven three years ago in an attempt to quell neighborhood violence in the city. This year, 120 teams from Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and even Mexico signed up.
While adults must pay a fee to enter, $200 a team, Bartlett said the City of New Haven spent $20,000, to make sure every child who entered the tournament played for free. They teamed up with the cities of Hartford and Bridgeport which covered additional costs.
“You know cities are challenged across the country. Bridgeport, New Haven, Hartford are challenged too. When you create opportunities for young people they really excel and this is one of those opportunities,” said Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim.
“This seems like a good program and this seems like it can develop a lot of people’s game,” said Tyler Callhan who entered the tournament from North Haven for the first time.
Whether the local team has what it takes to repeat will be decided when the tournament finals take place on Sunday. Stands are set up for the public watch the tournament on Church Street in front of City Hall and the New Haven Green.
