Sundiata Gaines shooting on right. Photo: Trevor Kapp

Four months ago, Sundiata “Yata” Gaines’ Georgia Bulldogs were the story of college basketball. After finishing the season just 4-12 in conference play, they upset Ole Miss, Kentucky, Mississippi State and Arkansas to win the SEC tourney, playing two games in one day after a tornado ripped through the Georgia Dome.

Wednesday night at the Cage (West 4th and Ave. of Americas) , the Jamaica, Queens native struggled in the first half, but dropped 22 in the second, including five trey-bombs over the outstretched arms of defenders and a 25′ bomb at the buzzer to cap Young Money Train’s come from behind victory over the undefeated Foot Print Stars 104-101.

“[The last play] was just one-on-one,” Gaines said. “I saw my opportunity. That’s a shot I practice every day.” He also told us he has been contacted by NBA teams about getting a summer league run. But if the League doesn’t work out, don’t look for the Molloy HS grad to be going overseas. Gaines said he will go to the D-League and try to work his way up. Undefeated Young Money Train will continue its pursuit of perfection Wednesday July 16th at 6:00 pm.

At Tri-State (145th and Lenox Ave.), Quinton “T2” Hosely made his playground debut with Ed’s All-Stars yesterday and did not disappoint. Hosely dropped 25 points on 142nd and Lenox’s Most Hated Crew, which is the block T2 is from. Most Hated came out hyped with a young crew led by teenagers “Jiggy” Josh,” K-Smooth,” and Chris “Action Pack.” At the half, the game was still tight at 53-47 with “T2” and Keydren “Kee-Kee” Clark killing off the dribble and Jiggy Josh getting to the rim with ease despite the zone D by Ed’s. In the second half, Kee-Kee took over with an assortment of 23-footers, neutralizing Action Pack’s defensive pressure. Most Hated never got any closer than six points the rest of the way as Ed’s All-Stars got the W 108-98. Jiggy Josh led all scorers with 29 for Most Hated, while Kee-Kee had 25 and Gordon Malone finished with 22 for Ed’s.

Fresh off their half-time walk out in France, the Sean Bell All-Stars came home and faced a stacked Bingo’s All-Stars team featuring Ron “Apocolypto” Artest and Kareem “Iron Chef” Reid. Sean Bell All-Stars came out jet-lagged with Bingo’s opening up a 34-18 lead in the second quarter. As the game progressed, Brian “20” Woodward, Mark McCarroll, and BJ “The Beast” McFarland got their heads right and made a frantic final quarter comeback with McCarroll throwing down several transition-oops. With less than a minute to go and Bingo’s up one at 87-86, a dispute under the rim caused both teams to leave their benches and the game was called with three seconds to go. Bingo’s Cab Driver dropped 24 and Ron Artest had 21. For Sean Bell, Mark McCarroll had a strong 24 points in a losing effort.

Tonight at West 4th Fuego Mayical takes on T.A. Express, tip-off is set for 6 pm.

Contributors: Sean Couch and Trevor Kapp