The 2024 Philadelphia All American Game

There is a wealth of talent in Philadelphia and the surrounding area. So much so, that a lot of talented kids may not get the shine that they deserve. The Philadelphia All American game was launched to give deserving kids who may be overlooked, a spotlight. Headlined by Rutgers commit and Jordan Brand athlete, Kiyomi McMiller. Kiyomi showcased an impressive performance on the basketball court. Her exceptional ball control, precise passing, and sharpshooting were instrumental in securing the victory for her team. Moreover, Kiyomi demonstrated remarkable court awareness and athleticism. She may be one of the most gifted players that I have ever seen in my life. She finished the game with 42 points and 12 assist.

The Iverson Roundball Classic... Was a terrible exercise in greed!

Allen Iverson was a staple of Philadelphia sports. He gave his blood, sweat and tears to the city and did his best to represent us in the world. When his name is attached to something, you automatically think of greatness! Unfortunately, that hasn’t seemed to translate to his roundball classic.

I’ve been a professional photographer for close to 15 years now. I’ve experienced a gamut of things in my career. Nothing really prepared me for the unprofessionalism and disorganization of the Iverson classic. What was presented as a must see event, turned into a ridiculous display of greed, ineptitude and disrespect.

Communication by whoever runs the classic’s social media account was non existent from the jump. When they announced on February 7th, 2024 that the event would be in Hampton, VA. a bevy of media commented on the post. We all asked the same thing. “When will there be a media request link?” All of those questions went unanswered by his social media team.

After getting no response, I hit the website for the classic and saw a link for media credentials. I filled it out, it didn’t have any particular date attached to it. It looked like a standard application for credentials. Apparently it was for last years classic. I didn’t find that out until March 26th after seeing a post on the classics IG page saying that media passes were now open. I scrolled through the comments of past post and there were a ton of unanswered questions from photogs, video folks and writers alike.

I finally clicked the link, filled out the credential for my son and I. Most of you know that my son, Blake works events with me. He’s the reason I wanted to shoot this event in the first place. As I filled out the form, something immediately gave me pause for concern. The classic was REQUIRING media to purchase general admission ticket in order to cover the event. They also asked that ALL our footage be submitted to them by May 6th.

For those that aren’t aware of how this stuff works. This is NOT a standard practice for events of this nature. There is a give and take between media and events. You’re not usually asked to submit your footage to folks. When you’re given credentials for events, you’re being allowed to come into the building for free, in exchange for posting, blogging, photographing etc said event. It’s a beautiful balance and a win win for all parties involved.

The Iverson Classic made a conscious choice to charge media to get access to shoot this game. A choice that would ultimately be proven to be driven by greed. The alarm bells went off in my head but I said to myself, “This is for Blake so i’ll just take it on the chin.” It didn’t sit well in my spirit that they were charging media to be there. An even bigger red flag, you’re asking for footage that you didn’t pay for. It went against every principle I have in regards to how events are covered by media members.

The classic was to be held in Hampton VA, on May 4th. I put in for my credentials on March 26th and didn’t get an official acceptance, until April 20th. Which is 2 weeks prior to the event being held. Now, that’s not a ton of time to give people the chance to adequately secure accommodations and make travel arrangements. In my experience, most of these media passes are decided at least a month in advance. From the timeline above, in my opinion, things were running way behind a typical schedule.

On April 26th, I reached out to the classics email address that they provided to ask a few questions. There were things that weren’t mentioned in any of the communications that I had received from the classic. I asked them about the time media would be let in. I asked will there be a separate entrance for us, will we have pregame locker room access, or are we just reserved to the floor? I got a response on April 28th and it read “Good evening, please try to arrive at least one hour prior to the event. Access will be first come first serve with private areas as well as photography positions.”

Now I want you to focus on what was said here. I was told that shooting positions would be first come first serve, which is pretty typical for when you’re sitting on the floor at events like this. So in my head, Im saying “ok cool I gotta get there early to secure the position I want on the floor.” After the 28th I received two more emails from them.

The first of the 2, was sent on April 29th. It was a reminder that I had been granted a media pass and for the first time, it indicated the time that the events on the 2nd and 4th start. It reiterated that a general admission ticket is REQUIRED for all media personnel. The 2nd email came on May 1st, reiterating what the previous email stated. This time it had a new wrinkle to it. In bold, it stated that on May 4th, media doors open at 5pm and general doors open at 6pm.

So on the 4th, I arrive at 4:45pm with Blake, we have our equipment in hand, ready to check in and get started. When we pull up to the Hampton Coliseum, it was about 12 people ahead of us in line to check in. I noticed a few people that had media passes but some of them had red lanyards and some of them had black lanyards. I didn't think much of it at the time. In my head, I’m just like oh they got red and black for his Sixers colors. That was until I heard someone with a red lanyard say something about VIP access.

Giving certain media outlets certain access isn’t uncommon at all. So at the time, no alarm bells were going off in my head. It typically means that they’d maybe get some interviews that other outlets wouldn’t. It could’ve been a friends and family thing. Quite frankly, in that moment I truly didn’t care. What struck a nerve was the Hampton Coliseum staff telling all of the media that had arrived early that we woudln’t be allowed in until 6pm. Now mind you, in an official communication from the classic, it stated that media would be allowed in at 5pm!

By this time there were at least 30 media members on site and we were all collectively dismayed at being told one thing, and once we got there it was something completely different. There were multiple conversations going on about this topic. To make matters worse, the staff at the coliseum became very belligerent once we started expressing our frustrations. One guy began yelling and telling us that we now had to leave the building and stand outside or none of us were getting in. We were told to form 2 lines outside. We all complied and after a few mins of being outside they then started bringing us back in to go through our bags.

Meanwhile, all the media that were still in the building, were not searched and they hopped in line. It was a bit of a chaotic scene. Media was in 2 lines while the general public was awaiting to enter at the very same time as us. Had I known that they weren’t letting us in until 6, I wouldn’t have come until 6. There was absolutely NO REASON for us to be there that early to just stand in line. It was a gross misuse of our time. The event organizers and the coliseum staff were on 2 different pages.

We finally were allowed in and we all proceeded to the floor to get our spots. I prefer to sit on the far end of the right side of the court. When I walked in, I went to sit down and was told by event staff that media couldn’t sit where I wanted to sit. Struck me as odd and she seemed like she didn’t know what she was talking about. So I kept it moving to the other basket. Sat down on the floor and started getting pics and vids of the players warming up. It looked to be about 40-50 media members in all. We all were getting setup and doing our thing. Most of us had already secured the spots we were shooting from.

The game started at 7pm and by about 6:55 we were asked to come off of the floor and to let the players come on for introductions. Out of nowhere, a staff member from the coliseum walked over to where all of media was sitting and said that we all had to come completely off of the baseline and to stand up behind a row of chairs behind the basket. Now mind you, every interaction with this staff has been a negative one. So In my head, I’m like great, another member on this staff trying to power trip. I ignored his barking orders because I paid my money to be here and the baselines are where media sit. A lot of other media members were so confused.

Some sat and had very perplexed looks on their faces. They couldn’t believe that we paid money to be here and to be treated like this. Eventually, everyone came and sat back down. None of us believed that this guy knew what he was talking about. The game had begun and we were all back in our spots, shooting. Within a few minutes of that, he came back again and stated that all members with a red lanyard were permitted on the baseline and everyone else had to stand up behind the basket and a row of seats. The looks of anger, frustration, and disbelief had hit a lot of faces again. That’s when we all realized that we had been bamboozled.

The Iverson Classic and its organizers had every opportunity possible, to advise members of the media what they intended to do to us. At no point in any communication sent, did the organizers indicate that there would be separate media sections and that only certain media would permitted on the floor. They declined to advise us of this prior to showing up for this event. I came from Philadelphia, PA. Others had come from NY and further and we were all extremely upset with what was transpiring. The Iverson Classic made media pay for tickets for the right to shoot the game. They know damn well, that had they told to us what they intended to do in the beginning, that a lot of us wouldn’t have come. This was one of the most disgusting money grabs that I’ve ever seen in my 15 year career! We were expected to stand up and shoot a game for 2 and a half hours.

Some media wound up leaving immediately. Some left at halftime. The only reason I stayed was because I didn’t want this trip to be a waste. I didn’t want to ruin my son's experience. One thing I try to emphasize to my son is that you have to be able to adapt to challenging situations. Everything isn’t going to always be easy, so you’ve gotta be able to adapt to your environment. So we made lemonade out of the lemons we were handed. Despite our unprofessional treatment, we still maintained our professionalism and handled it with grace.

I want to make something abundantly clear. What the Iverson classic and its organizers did was disgusting. The lack of communication, and preferential indifference to folks that they didn’t deem to be important enough, is unacceptable. You don’t treat people like this and then expect folks to rock with what you’re doing. They lied and quite frankly stole from us. No one in their right mind is going to pay to stand up to shoot a game and then hand over what was shot, for free! Someone in his camp reached out to me and asked me to send him a picture. I refused and I advised him of our experience at the classic. He asked for my number and he said he wanted to speak to me directly. I have yet to be contacted.

The Iverson classic didn’t let folks know that certain players were no longer playing in the game. The way they went about everything was utterly absurd! This thing was ran as if it was put together by folks who had no idea what the hell they were doing. They lacked transparency, integrity, professionalism and behaved like you’d expect a scammer to behave. Going forward, I will never support anything with the name Allen Iverson attached to it, ever again!

I hate the fact that an organization’s poor planning and greed, have overshadowed what was otherwise a fun game to watch. If your goal is to put on the best show possible, you don’t do what the people of the Iverson Classic did. You want as many eyes and from the best positions possible, to showcase the talent that these young men possess. You want them to look as good as possible. Shame on them for only thinking of their pockets! They could’ve gone about this so differently than they did. They could’ve actually reviewed portfolios and only invited who they deemed to be the best of the best to cover the event. Instead, they chose the almighty dollar and that’s nasty work!

Hawks Win!

On March 2nd, 2024, the Hawks of Saint Joseph's University faced off against the Rams of Fordham University at Hagan Arena. The team spirit and unity among the Hawks was very evident as they stepped onto the court. Their pre-game warm-up routine showcased their strong chemistry. The music was blasting, heads were bobbing and you could feel the good vibes between their players. They felt light and carefree yet focused on the task at hand. Throughout the game, the team displayed an excellent balance of focus and ease, demonstrating their cohesiveness and determination as a unit. Coming together as a team is one of the hardest things to do in sports. This group of men, have the right mindset and temperament to go far.

Kasper Klaczek of SJU dominated throughout the night with an exceptional performance. He played a pivotal role in driving the Hawks to a quick lead early in the game. Klaczek delivered an impressive stat line of 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, highlighting his versatility. The Hawks displayed remarkable teamwork, by keeping the ball moving on every possession. They consistently found the open man and made the extra pass which lead to scores more often than not. Freshman stud, Xzayvier Brown kept the Hawks rolling in the second half. He picked his spots and got to the basket at will. Guards Lynn Greer III, Cameron Brown and Erik Reynolds II added to the balanced attack of the team with all 3 hitting critical buckets to keep the momentum on the Hawks side. They took care of business and got the win with a final score of 69 to 82!

SJU V FORDHAM HIGHLIGHTS.

MAKE SURE TO WATCH IN 4K!

BACK TO BACK CHAMPS!

There are moments in sports that will forever be immortalized in our memories, each play, each victory, and each defeat etching a lasting impression in the tapestry of athletic history. The intense 2024 matchup between Archbishop Ryan and Roman Catholic is already being hailed as a legendary showdown, etching its name in the annals of Philadelphia Catholic League history. The gritty performance displayed by both teams has left spectators in awe, solidifying its place as one of the most memorable games to ever grace the floor of The Palestra! Both teams were led by their seasoned senior big men, who brought a commanding presence to the court and delivered precisely what the city had been anticipating.

A tip of the cap to Archbishop Ryan’s center, Thomas Sorber, and Roman Catholic’s center, Shareef Jackson! Both of these young men displayed unwavering determination and resilience throughout the entire game, pushing each other to their limits in a true display of skill, toughness and grit. The guard play for both teams proved to be crucial throughout the entire duration of the game. They demonstrated exceptional skills and strategic thinking on the court, making a significant impact on the game from start to finish. Darren Williams of Ryan, hit some clutch buckets down the stretch. Before the end of regulation he nailed a shot to put Ryan up 2 points with a few seconds to go. Roman got the ball back and guard Kabe Goss, found a cutting Jackson to tie the game at 40 to 40 and send it into overtime.

Once the OT period tipped off, both teams wasted no time exchanging buckets. Effectively keeping each other within striking distance throughout. In a pivotal moment, Travis Reed Jr of Roman displayed nerves of steel as he sunk 2 critical free throws, propelling Roman into the lead with 52 seconds remaining in the game. Ryan received the ball and meticulously probed the defense, searching for any vulnerabilities. Spotting an opportunity, Williams swiftly passed the ball to Sorber positioned on the wing. Skillfully maneuvering towards the basket, Sorber found senior guard Ryan Everette unguarded in the corner where he nailed the shot. With just 5 seconds remaining on the clock, Everette's shot seemed to seal Roman's fate. Kabe Goss, seized possession of the ball and swiftly advanced down the court.

Faced with a critical moment in the game, he waved his teammates off, took his man off the dribble and got himself to the midrange where he pulled up right over the long arm of Sorber just as the final second ticked away on the clock. Goss nailed the bucket and the crowd erupted! Ryan was in disbelief as several of their players fell to the hardwood in shock and heartbreak. Goss and his teammates ran down to the other end of the court in utter joy! They couldn't contain their excitement as they leaped with joy, celebrating the magnificent shot that would secure not only the PCL title but also etch Goss's name into the illustrious pages of Catholic League history. There is nothing in the world like Philadelphia Catholic League basketball!

You can catch the moments from the game in the clip below!

ARCHBISHOP RYAN V ROMAN CATHOLIC | FOR THE PCL TITLE! MAKE SURE TO WATCH IN 4K!!!

THE PCL FINAL 4

Philadelphia Catholic League basketball holds a revered position in the world of high school sports, showcasing a tradition of excellence and intense competition. The league serves as a breeding ground for top-tier talent, with many players moving on to successful collegiate and professional careers. Each year, fans pack the stands to witness thrilling matchups between historic rivals, creating an electric atmosphere charged with school spirit. Coaches emphasize discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship, molding student-athletes into not only skilled players but also upstanding individuals. With a rich history dating back decades, Philadelphia Catholic League basketball continues to captivate audiences and inspire young athletes to push their limits on the court.

On Wednesday, February 21st, 2024, Catholic league fans eagerly awaited as the final four teams prepared to square off, each vying for the coveted opportunity to compete for the championship title! The first game was a highly anticipated showdown between Father Judge and Roman Catholic. Father Judge's remarkable journey to The Palestra marked a triumphant return to The Palestra for the first time in 25 years! They shocked a lot of teams in the PCL this year to get here. Roman Catholic are the returning champions once again! They proudly showcase a seasoned squad that have successfully navigated this arena in the past. Throughout this year's PCL matchups, they’ve exhibited all the traits of a winning basketball team as they dominated PCL play.Ultimately, Roman Catholic’s experience was prominently on display in this encounter. Their solid start and strategic utilization of Shareef Jackson posed a significant challenge for Judge. The Roman big man dominated the paint throughout the game. Despite Judge's best efforts, they fell short as Roman clinched the victory, securing their spot in the final!

The second matchup of the night unfolded between Neumann Goretti and Archbishop Ryan, setting the stage for an intense competition. Goretti, who suffered a heartbreaking loss in last year's final, entered with one of the top records in PCL play. They boasted a guard-heavy squad known for their versatility in all aspects of the game. On the other hand, Ryan faced tough competition through a challenging national schedule while navigating the demanding PCL, making them a formidable opponent for anyone on any given night. Neumann faced a significant setback in their backcourt following the season ending injury of star senior Khaafiq Myers, whose influence on the game and his team is undeniable. In light of this absence, senior Larenzo Jerkins emerged resolute, and eager to make his mark felt throughout the matchup. Ryan's dynamic duo of Thomas Sorber and Darren Williams has been instrumental in propelling the team to success throughout the entire season. Williams, known for his fearless attitude and ability to sink crucial shots, consistently shines in high-pressure situations. On the other hand, Sorber's finesse and versatility make him a formidable force, capable of excelling on offense and defense with ease. It was a battle of will from the start as Ryan immediately established Sorber in the paint and he went to work.

Larenzo Jerkins showcased unwavering determination as he skillfully made a series of challenging shots to maintain a tight score. Whenever Goretti inched closer, Archbishop Ryan swiftly responded to maintain their lead. The seasoned senior guard, Ryan Everett, demonstrated remarkable accuracy by converting 3 out of 4 shots from beyond the arc, significantly impacting The Saints' morale. Additionally, Darren Williams delivered an outstanding performance on both offense and defense, disrupting Neumann's guards and preventing them from establishing a rhythm. Ultimately, Archbishop Ryan's collective effort proved formidable, securing a hard-earned 48-43 win and securing their spot in the final!

Highlights from Judge V Roman. Make sure to watch in 4K!

Highlights between from Archbishop Ryan V Neumann Goretti. Make sure you watch in 4K!

The Hawk Never Dies!

On Saturday, February 10th, 2024, the Hawks of Saint Joseph’s University faced off against the visiting Billikens of Saint Louis in a highly charged atmosphere, resulting in a thrilling game. The Hawks initially took control of the game in the 1st half, but the Billikens maintained close proximity throughout the game. Sophomore Sincere Parker played a pivotal role for the Billikens, showcasing an impressive performance with 34 points, skillfully maneuvering around the defense. The Hawks demonstrated resilience and determination as the lead changed hands multiple times in the final 5 minutes of the 2nd half. A10 Rookie of the week, Xzavier Brown, led the Hawks to victory with 27 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds, ultimately securing the win with a crucial free-throw and steal. The Hawks triumphed over the Billikens with a score of 87-86, bringing their season record to 16-8. Here are some of my favorite moments from the game!

SJU Highlights from their win over Saint Louis University

It's playoff time!

It’s that time of year again folks! Philadelphia basketball for the public and catholic leagues regular seasons are wrapping up. It’s time for playoff basketball! The Imhotep Panthers, led by senior guard Ahmad Nowell are aiming for the triple crown! Coming into their first round game against Dobbins, Imhotep has won 86 consecutive games at home. That’s quite an impressive win streak! They faced Dobbins in the playoffs last season and Imhotep came out on top. The result was the same this go around. Imhotep came out the gate hot! They went on an 11 to 2 run and never looked back. Imhotep took the win with a final score of 65 to 31!

A look back at an instant classic! February - 2023

The Catholic League title is one of the most coveted championships in all of Philadelphia sports! There have been some historic battles between Roman Catholic and Neumann Goretti! This game went down to the wire! Xzavier Brown of Roman Catholic, hit a 3 point buzzer beater to force OT. Roman used the extra time to finish the job to secure the PCL title! It was one of the most thrilling games of basketball at any level that i’ve ever witnessed.

Best Of Both Worlds, All American Game

Some of the top talent in the Tristate area, came together to play in the Best Of Both Worlds, All American Game! You’ll be seeing these young men in an NBA arena soon!

Dunks on Dunks

The 2023 Danny Rumph Classic

The Danny Rumph Classic is one of the most anticipated events of the summer. The classic is a tribute to the late Danny Rumph. He tragically passed away on the court in 2005 after going into cardiac arrest. The Daniel E. Rumph II Foundation uses this tournament to increase awareness surrounding sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). They also offer free heart screenings and they place automated external defibrillators in recreation centers and public facilities.

I was able to shoot a few games of the tournament. I present to you, my favorite imagery from the Rumph.

I hope you enjoy!

Bones Hyland of the LA Clippers, went crazy at the Rumph!

Bones Hyland, making plays!

Bones doing what he does!

The title game warmup!

LOE made all the little plays that you need, in order to win.