"It's more than just a game of ball; it's unmatched, unwavering love." On Sunday, July 10, 2022, the up-and-coming clothing brand Vail Stones held its 2nd annual basketball tournament at 5th and Marshall in Hoboken. Vail Stones CEO Michael Singleton (@therealbigalow__yb) and his sponsors showed the city what it means to come together as a community.
The day included the tournament, raffles for the youth, a big barbecue for the neighborhood and good times for everyone. Ten teams came from all over the city, and some from out of town. They played 15-minute games with two 15-minute halves.
As it came down to the finals, Team Vail Stones and Team KYY (@kyyinthecut) faced off for the second year in a row. With almost no time left on the clock, Team KYY won again and took the title back to back.
WHSL founder Victor Lopez Jr. (Young Emeljay) was one of the event's sponsors. He was grateful to see history made once more and thanked Vail Stones for letting him be part of it: "Now that's What HOBOKEN Sounds Like!"
Photos by Design Mafia Films.
The sponsors
@tee_y, @_taylormadehoops_, the City of Hoboken, Street Friends, Lion's Den, Chaseland, Vail Stones, @bakewithambs, What Hoboken Sounds Like, Lisa's Italian Deli (@dom_lisa) and the Hoboken Fire Department. The tournament was filmed by Tato With The Camera.
More recap photos from the day:
The recap videos
Tato With The Camera's recap of every dunk in the tournament, thanking @official_saintt and @zayfilms4. The dunkers: @tee_y, @nyjeezy20, @certified.ja, @craftynumba3 and @j.twisttt.
Exclusive footage from Saint, who called it a huge turnout for the city and thanked @therealbigalow__yb, @ceoeasy and all the sponsors for giving the neighborhood a way to come together. Music by KYY.
Tato With The Camera's recap of the championship game, featuring @tee_y, @craftynumba3, @j.twisttt, @tybattle10, @rah_mixson, @xmanloaded and @j.lord13.
Street Friends also shared a thank-you to the sponsors it brought in, including @eatswithambs, the Hoboken Fire Department, Chaseland Clothing, Lion's Den Barbershop, Lisa's Deli and What Hoboken Sounds Like, and to the family who helped set up and clean up.
Before the tournament
The date was set in June: "It's Going Down July 10th." The call went out for all the hoopers to come out and show out, with a July 1 deadline to enter a team. The question going in: could Team KYY win it back to back?
The tournament came back in 2023 as the Vail Stones x Street Friends Basketball Tournament, held in memory of Christopher Garcia.
Follow @whathobokensoundslike on Instagram for more.