PACHS v Latino Youth
Game One

Cold air blew through the Barreto’s Boys and Girls club gym as the Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos Boys Basketball (PACHS) team got off to a slow start. As if the legs and arms were cold from the Chicago chill, the offense could not get going in the first quarter. The team’s opponent, Latino Youth, came into the gym with fire and intensity. They powered the middle by a gigantic center numbered 53, an energetic point guard numbered 4, and a slasher number 32. PACHS center, Kike had is hands full in the paint with their giant, and the PACHS zone was giving up early jump shots that allowed the Latino Youth team to gain a 10 point lead in the first half. PACHS point guard and community scholar, Benito played the entire game taking care of the ball not allowing any turn overs.

As the game continued at a frantic pace the PACHS team was wearing down the Latino Youth defense, and as PACHS guards were fouled they would go to the charity stripe (the free throw line) and shoot two. It is called the charity stripe because it is supposed to be an easy basket. However, PACHS could not make a free throw to save their lives! Missing almost ten free throws in the first half. It was almost as if the rim had a closed door, because the way that the ball hit the rim sounded like someone was knocking on the door.

In the second half… someone answered the door… it was Chris Williams. Making four free throws in a row due to Latino Youth’s excessive fouls and a foolish technical foul committed by their number 32, Chris brought PACHS back to striking distance. The giant then fouled out and the middle of the lane was suddenly empty. PACHS Forwards Emmanuel and Jesus got rebounds and that led to Latino Youth committing more fouls. Through Chris’ leadership, PACHS started making free throws. Latino Youth #32 hit a clutch three pointer to bring them within one point. PACHS wisely called a time out and decided not to push but to slow it down with one minute remaining. If Latino Youth fouled PACHS, they would be heading to the charity stripe AGAIN.

Benito controlled the ball well after the time out, but Latino Youth left the middle of the floor wide open. Jesus and Benito combined for a quick give and go pass, and Benito hit a mid-range jump shot to put PACHS up by three. In disgust, a Latino Youth player slammed the ball down getting a technical foul called. PACHS sent Chris Williams to the line again. He made the first one and finally missed a free throw. With 3 seconds remaining on the clock Latino Youth had time for one more shot. Wisely, the PACHS team did not foul the last shot to allow a four point play. In the end, PACHS escaped their first home game with a come from behind win 39-35. The completely filled bleachers were elated and embraced the team chanting “Albizu”! “Campos!” “Albizu”! “Campos!” “Albizu”! “Campos!”

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