On Saturday morning, July 29, Seaview hosted the First Annual Seaview/Ocean Beach Basketball Tournament. Players from Seaview and Ocean Beach began entering the Seaview Bay Beach basketball court ready to give it their all. Over-Under teams from both communities donned their Gold and Blue custom-logoed shirts, each featuring the word “Bobson” as a reminder that the tournament was dedicated to Michael Bobson: teacher, basketball advocate, Ocean Beach “bench boy” icon and friend to many.
Making the tournament a success took thoughtful collaboration between the two communities. Facilitators were Paul Schnell and Michael Lubowitz from Seaview, as well as Joshua Schure and Roy Lapidus from Ocean Beach. Tom Ruskin, chairman of the Seaview Board of Directors, supported them every step of the way, with myself handling tournament operations.
The first Under-Over teams to win three games would claim their Championships – and bragging rights – for the next year. Play was fierce from the start, beginning with the Overs. Seaview won the initial game, but Ocean Beach fought back to tie it up. The third and fourth games went to Seaview for the Over win. In the Unders matchup, Ocean Beach won the first game, but Seaview grabbed the next three, so the Under title as well.
A special shout out goes to Madeleine Schnell and Risa Katz for handling the record books, and keeping players informed of the score, time, and fouls. And everyone agreed the two referees, Bryan Jones and Devine Latour, made great calls.
The Seaview/Ocean Beach Tournament trophy plaques will reside in the Seaview Market behind the cashier for the next year. Both Over-Under winner plates now say 2023 SEAVIEW. If you want to play in the 2024 Tournament, better start training now!
