The Richmond Team

It is February of 2010. Nine players take an eight hour van ride to Northern California representing the City of Industry Youth Activities League (Y.A.L.). Their names were Kevin, Kyle, Ricky, Chris, Angel, Phillip, Jose, Juan and Patrick. Nine players with one common bond...the game of basketball. Leading the team were two coaches. One was a well-known figure throughout the Youth Activities League. The other, was a 20 year old kid who just months prior returned home from finishing his collegiate career at a Junior College 20 miles South of Fresno. When all of the elements combine and the stage set, you get Team Industry Basketball. However, what most didn’t know is this one particular tournament would change the landscape of Industry Basketball for years to come.

In the weeks leading to the tournament, the City of Richmond Police Activities League sent a memo to all California related departments stating it would be their turn to host the annual PAL Youth Basketball Tournament. The City of Industry Youth Activities League did not hesitate to sign Team Industry up as they knew this would be a tremendous opportunity to showcase their local talent. Right away, they contacted Ron Atmore to Coach the team. With two deputies assigned to chaperone the players and Atmore leading the way, all that was needed was to recruit local talent.

Initially, eleven players had agreed to represent Team Industry in the tournament. However, due to various obligations, eleven turned into nine. As the tournament drew near, in mid-January, Atmore decided it was in the best intentions to add an Assistant Coach. Atmore would ask at the time 20 year old Troy Beverly for the opportunity. Beverly agreed and Team Industry was well underway.

As the schedule was released, it was announced Industry would play Oakland, Richmond, and Fairfield P.A.L. in pool play. Despite having most of the players in-experienced with travel ball, there was no doubt excitement was in the air as the boys couldn’t wait for the opening tip-off. However, once Fairfield walked into the gym, reality sunk in. Industry knew it was going to take a lot to defeat the caliber of teams in the tournament. Despite all-around great efforts from all nine players, Team Industry finished 1-3 in the tournament.

There can be a lot said about that weekend four years ago. There were an equal amount of highs and lows. There was the overabundance of inside jokes, rap music, NBA All Star Weekend, and the hit television show The Boondocks. Yes, Industry did not win the championship, but a valuable lesson was taught that weekend. The lesson was no matter how small, or in-experienced any team can be….always play above the competition!

This philosophy would stick with Team Industry Basketball the next four years!

To Be Continued…………..

Next Entry : “The 2011 Team (Part 1)” – November 13, 2014