Brooklyn's Gersh Park Teams Crowned Kings of New York in Nike's NYvsNY Tournament

For all of the talent and energy coming out of the Big Apple's basketball scene this summer, one program dominated everyone's attention: Gersh Park. The East New York, Brooklyn-based program and tournament operators entered this year's Nike NYvsNY tournament as the reigning boys and girls champions, completely determined to repeat. And that they did, locking up their title(s) last Saturday night in Harlem.

In front of a packed crowd at the legendary Rucker Park that included acclaimed MC and proud Bronx native Fat Joe, Gersh Park was calm and poised during their respective title defenses (Gersh Park Girls defeated Harlem's Uptown Challenge, 46-40, and Gersh Park Boys topped Queens' Lincoln Park, 57-51).

Both opponents were extremely competitive and made it tough on Gersh Park, but to beat the reigning champs would have required a 'perfect game.' That's what it's like when your team has to go shot for shot with UMass commit Yahmani McKayle or rising prospect Ariel Little. Or on the boys side, when your defense has to deal with the pick-and-roll mastery between Christian Jeffrey and Halon Rawlins.

As relentless as you could be against East New York's finest, they would reciprocate that same energy against you times ten. There's a reason Gersh Park went a combined 8-1 this summer and has claimed four out of the last five NYvsNY titles.

In all, the 2023 Nike NYvsNY tournament was a huge success. Alongside the terrific on-court action from NYC's next wave of hoopers, the hype surrounding NYvsNY was at an all-time high between high-profile celebrity appearances, exclusive merchandise drops, and having games streamed through the NBA app.

Thanks for another summer, NYvsNY! Until next year.