Jump Ball @ Nike Swoosh

Nike Swoosh is an all-borough tournament that puts the best teams, divided into different age groups, against one another to see who can claim summer supremacy. The Queens edition takes place every weekend at Roy Wilkins Park. Bounce was at the playground to show some love to the sometimes forgotten borough.

The Saturday afternoon atmosphere was butters. There were plenty of supportive parents, good natured referees, enthusiastic coaches and hard working ball players. The games were very competitive in all age divisions as well. In one 16-under contest, some kid got posterized by another for jumping to block a shot when he had absolutely no chance. Imagine that–Dunking on cats, and getting boofed on at only 15! The crowd loved every moment.

It was definitely jumpin’ in Queens. There were a lot of hoop heads out there just enjoying themselves. We met some little kids that got crazy hyped when we showed them our magazine. A few of them brought out their cross overs and posed for a mini Bounce photo shoot.

Kids @ the playground

A big thank you to John and the entire Utopia/Queens Nike Swoosh family. You guys were great hosts and we appreciate the love so we’re gonna give some back.

Readers can check out the tournament for themselves. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. there are league games happening at the outdoor courts of Roy Wilkins. Boys play on Saturdays, while the girls throw down on Sundays. The park is located on 115th Avenue at the cross section of Merrick and Baisley Boulevards.

On the park bench