By: Charles Paggett
The bottom of a basketball hoop at The Connections apartment complex in Statesboro, Georgia. On summer days, the basketball court at The Connections can be filled with dozens of people any given day.
Today, one half of the court is empty with a few cars parked in the background. The Connections basketball courts are often popular among locals and college students for full court 5-on-5 games.
Three young local students shoot some hoops at the other end of the basketball court. Christian Wells, Jamichael Price and Tre Reese (pictured left to right) find a way to ball every week at Connections.
Christian goes with a behind the back dribble to get past Tre's defense. The trio have run three consecutive games of 21 - where the winner of the game must reach 21 points to claim victory.
Tre sets to take a 3-point shot and Jamichael dares him to shoot while Christian rests in the paint. Tre won the last game of 21 and looks to secure another win.
Tre is at the free throw line after draining the 3-point shot. This free throw will give Tre a commanding lead over Jamichael and Christian.
Jamichael takes a 2-point shot as Tre and Christian look to rebound. Tre is still in the lead with Jamichael making a late push.
Tre drives to the paint with his left hand as Jamichael guards him. Christian expressed how tired he was because they've been playing for a few hours.
Tre takes a floater over the outstretched arms of Jamichael. "We come out here at least once a week if not more," Tre said.
Jamichael rests his hands on his knees from exhaustion. He hasn't won a game of 21 for the day yet, but still tries to outdo his friends.
Tre takes an uncontested jumpshot from just inside the 3-point line. "I beat them every time we come out here and I'm gonna win this game too," Tre said.
Tre throws the ball at the rim trying to bounce the ball back to his self. Tre had just scored 19 points and has the opportunity to win the game with one more made shot that isn't a free throw - it's why he really wants the ball back.
Jamichael shoots the ball with just his right hand as Tre and Christian jockey for rebounding position. Tre's total is now up to 17 points with the next closest, Christian, with 6 points.
Tre watches the ball bounce back to him as Christian walks off the court. "Don't put that shot in your story," Jamichael said just after shooting an airball that Tre catches and scores on - signaling the end of the game is near.
Jamichael rocks his Nike socks and Jordan basketball shoes. Jamichael said he pretty much only plays in Jordans because he feels more confident with them on.
Jamichael takes a 3-point shot from deep. The echo of the basketball on the pavement is the only sound in the air - an unfamiliar scene for a Friday hoop session at The Connections.
Christian dribbles to his left with Tre following his movement. "We were hoping it'd be more people out here but it's all good because we're going to play regardless," Christian said.
Jamichael dribbles the rebound back out to the 3-point line as Tre and Christian look on. The trio have known each other for a long time and spent much of the basketball session laughing and cracking jokes on each other about the game they love.
Tre shoots the ball and holds his release after the shot. The guys have sweated through their shirts and shorts and seem to be practically running on fumes at this point.
A lone basketball sits near the edge of the court as the group prepares for another game of 21. The sun is almost down, but their energy is still up somewhat.
