[PHOTOSTORY 1: OUTDOORS] Hoop Dreams

 

By: Asa Baurle 

Alejandro Ramirez stretches his legs before the 3 vs. 3 game he and his friends have been planning. 
"I love coming down here and playing with the guys I have been playing with all my life. Playing here with my friends around this time of year is something I always look forward to." - Alejandro Ramirez

Chris Rodriguez is all smiles as he walks around the court in preparation for the game ahead. The basketball courts in Winthrop is a staple within the community and can always be seen crowded with local kids and adults in the area. 

Ali Ferhani looks off to the bench as a ball comes towards him waiting to be shot.
"This is something you do if you grow up here as a kid. To continue to be able to play when as I've gotten older is awesome. Not only do you get to play a sport it can serve as a time to catch up too." - Ali Ferhani 

Engjell Ramadani, Ali Ferhani, and Chris Rodriguez look onto the court as they prepare to shoot three point shots to decide the team captains. This tradition is a standard at the court and serves as the most fair way to decide teams. 

Aaron Amouzou gets ready to take his shot to see if he can become a team captain. "There are so many different people that come down here all the time so the games always feel unique, so it never gets too boring." - Aaron Amouzou 

Chris Rodriguez sets his eyes on the prize. A high school basketball player himself he uses his spare time as a chance to get better. 

The game is finally underway as the ball gets checked to Chris Rodriguez. There are no positions while playing at the court everyone trusts everyone else to make the right decision. 

Chris Rodriguez gets the deep ball going early as he prepares to take his first uncontested shot. "Its not about scoring fifty points or even winning. Honestly it just boils down to having fun and I think that's why the courts will always be apart of the town here." - Chris Rodriguez 

Chris Lopez gets an open look for a corner three to put his team back up. Those who go to the courts to participate are usually drawn in by social media posts urging people to get out and play some ball. 

Chris Lopez sets his feet and gets some air under himself to help his shot. "Honestly so many are here on some days we can set up like five or six team tournaments that can last hours. So its important to get here early." - Chris Lopez

Chris Rodriguez fights through contact to try and get the contested layup. No basket within the three point line comes easy on these hoops. 

Ali Ferhani attempts to muscle his way through two defenders. "Even when it gets physical and gets intense at the end of the day were all just friends out here trying to get some shots up. So we never hold it against one another or anything like that." - Ali Ferhani 

Alejandro Ramirez may be the smallest one on the court but he packs a punch for his size. Alejandro is always at the top of the draft boards when teams are picking. 

Chris Lopez shoots over Engjell Ramadani in the low post. The courts use the universal one and two point shot scoring system commonly found in recreational parks. 

Alejandro Ramirez again gives himself another shooting opportunity from downtown. Onlooks don't even bother try to contest his shot. 

Ali Ferhani shows his hops as he blocks Chris Lopez's shot attempt. The court lights turn off at dusk so people have to get their minutes in while the sun is still up. 

Engjell Ramadani acts as the facilitator looking for an open teammate coming off a screen. The onlookers in the background are preparing for a game of their own once they get their chance at an open hoop. 

Chris Rodrigues takes Aaron Amouzou one on one. "A lot of how we play is for bragging rights, getting to say you crossed someone up or hit a big shot over them adds to the game." - Chris Rodriguez 

Ali Ferhani goes up for the game-winning layup. The winners of the game get to claim the court and prepare for the next team to challenge them. 

As the game comes to a conclusion, the trash talks starts even before the ball hits the ground. Laughs are shared and water bottles begin to be drank. 

Even after the bickering and poking fun, all the players meet in the middle of the court to give high fives and say good game. This is also tradition at the courts for both friends and strangers.