Scoring two 3-pointers in the final minute, a team of Berkeley Police officers narrowly bested teen players from the Young Adult Project’s Twilite Basketball program in the “Battle of Berkeley” Friday night. The officers will now get to display a large trophy commemorating the win, at least until the teams face off again this summer.
The youth team was down by 12 points at half time, then fought its way to a 1-point lead with less than 2 minutes to go. Officer Kelvin Gibbs, who played professional basketball in Europe for nine years, scored two baskets from behind the arc in the final minute to claim the victory.
“It was kind of intense,” he said. “You can tell both sides wanted to win.” He added that the youth team “played extremely well.”
After the game, Berkeley Police Chief Mike Meehan hinted at the fact the players were not afraid to take on the chief of police:
Had a great time with the kids! They played physical ball! 🙂@GoodNewsCops @TheIACP @COPSOffice https://t.co/sXU7z7Z3Af
— Mike Meehan (@BPDChiefMeehan) March 26, 2016
Young Adult Project recreation coordinator Ginsi Bryant said she was pleased with the turnout; a crowd of about 100 spectators watched the competition. Bryant revived the Twilite Basketball program in January after a long period of inactivity.
“The kids lost, but the game went well,” she said. “It was a good opportunity for the kids and officers to play.”
Berkeley Police Capt. Andrew Greenwood shared these photographs of Friday night’s game with Berkeleyside. Learn more about the Twilite Basketball program.
View Capt. Greenwood’s full photo gallery.
Related:
Twilite Basketball helps Berkeley youth, police connect (03.25.16)
Berkeley Yellowjackets fall to Crespi in state final, 68-53 (03.25.16)
Berkeley boxing class puts ‘community first’ (01.04.16)
Berkeley High boys hoops win first NorCal title since 1921 (03.21.16)
Do you rely on Berkeleyside for your local news? You can support independent local journalism by becoming a Berkeleyside Member. You can choose either a monthly payment or a one-time contribution.
