As tonight marks the championship game of the NCAA mens’ basketball tournament, we thought you’d enjoy a report on the “happy delirium” of Kingswood basketball:
Some of the most memorable camp moments in the past five years have occurred on the Kingswood “Hoops Pitch,” as we lovingly call our lighted basketball court. Long-time camper, Barrett Lathrop helps put Kingswood basketball in perspective with these words regarding the Packer Generations Basketball (PGB) tournament played once per session in memory of former camper Chris Chin who attended Packer School in Brooklyn before passing away ten years ago:
“The PGB is one of my favorite events at Kingswood. I look forward to it every year because of the way it brings the camp together through basketball. It’s a tournament where everyone can play and excel no matter their skill level. Even though you might not know the kids on your team at first, you may build a lasting friendship out of a couple of games.
I’d say my favorite memory of the PGB was when I won last year with Khaki and Giuseppe. It’s always fun winning, but I also love being competitive and my teammates, especially those two, were very competitive and made the game more fun to play.
I also love having the crowd watching as they are always into it. With Klaus being very funny on the microphone, the games are far more entertaining. The only memories that stick in my head as not being great are the game winners hit against my team, but that happens in all sports and I’m fine with that being the outcome in a fun camp tournament. In the end, the PGB is always something I look forward to every year and it’s always worth it no matter what happens with your team (I also love being a fan!)”
Back in its day, the “Kingswood Selection Committee” was a one-man endeavor. Will ran a great tournament, it must be acknowledged.Arjun then, as now, watched the games in his PJ’s. Andreas, as always, kept an accurate scoreboard.Get there early and stay late! It can be debated if the best seats were those nearby announcer Klaus or far away from his rantings.Some coaches adorned nifty clothes.Others (always the Guides) were more informal. This is Teddy, Matt and Will. Teddy’s account of this night is near the bottom of this report.Snacks rushed up from the kitchen were most welcomed by players and fans in the stands.Some teams were clear winners……while others were on the short end…of the scoreboard. (I am just guessing on these winners and losers. These guys look like winners, eh?)The point was that everyone had a good time at the PGB games and we regard this tournament as a major Kingswood community bonding experience.Here is Barrett with Khaki at the first session PGB last July.Why Klaus insists on announcing from atop the equipment shed is a question that you will simply have to ask him.Barrett is correct to insist that everyone gets into the spirit of the moment.So does Barrett’s brother, Owen:Poor Teddy, who thought his team had a lock on its game on July 8, 2015: On that memorial night in 2015, I coached Barrett Lathrop’s team with Will Socas and Matt Lobel. I remember Klaus pulling his usual antics and giving commentary that would rival Tony Romo, often making jokes at my expense. It was one of those perfect summer nights with a cool breeze, and I remember in the finals Barrett was matched up with his little brother Owen (who’s now not so little). Barrett had dominated the tournament, but Owen proved to be his kryptonite, and while both had solid games, Owen made a three at the buzzer to win it, much to my and my team’s dismay. Although that loss still haunts me to this day, in this particular year, my team made the finals in all three age groups and won every bracket! In terms of my playing days, I always played worse in PGB games for some reason. I remember as a Guide going up for a go ahead lay up and getting swatted by Charlie Scruton. I also remember my first year when I lost to Stevo Yeonas on a step back at the buzzer. Can’t wait to be back on at that forest-enclosed court this summer and make some more great memories!
And, Joey, in my estimation had the best night in PGB history on July 15, 2014
