On Saturday, July 7 the inaugural (and soon to be annual) San Diego Sneaks Summer Classic 5- on-5 basketball tournament took place at the La Jolla Recreation Center. The tournament was a fun, yet a competitive day on the blacktop courts. The tournament was spawned by basketball enthusiasts and friends Sawsun Khodapanah and Tyson Youngs. The two have been in the La Jolla community since high school and have left a mark in basketball communities across the San Diego area.
“Tyson and I have been in the La Jolla community since high school, as well as various basketball spots in San Diego,” said Khodapanah. “We used our network of friends and basketball players across La Jolla and San Diego to form 12 teams of five or more players.” The San Diego Sneaks Summer Classic tournament was a one-day event, held from10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The games lasted to 25 points and showed the spirit of the teams that were able to advance and win the tournament over the course of a long hot summer day on the blacktop courts.
La Jolla High School and The Bishop’s School basketball coach and legend Kamal Assaf played in the tournament as well and described the event as, “a great way for kids out of high school and even college to keep playing basketball, especially in the summer, even when it’s hot. This tournament will only grow and I can’t wait to see more people next year,” he added.
With two courts side by side, the tournament was extremely exhilarating with two games going on the whole day.
The tournament also included Coal Bros Mexican eatery. Cool Bros offers tacos, burritos, and fajitas for a quick snack in between games. There was also music playing by the food station for players to relax and enjoy a great day of basketball.
The event also encouraged people to take a chance on raffles, with prizes such as NBA jerseys from some of the best players in the league. There were also chances to win some of the best basketball shoes one can buy, from the newest Nike to the flashiest of Adidas.
The tournament was an enjoyable experience for not only the players but spectators as well. The creators and teams of the tournament hope that more people come out each and every year to watch some thrilling basketball on display.
To sign up for the San Diego Summer Sneaks Classic 5-on-5 tournament, or to find out more information, email Sawsun Khodapanah at [email protected] or call 858-729-3210.
