Raheem Solomon tilts his head to the left, lets his shoulders slump.
“You can get them right up there, in one of these houses,” he says. “They’re everywhere, and everybody knows how to get one, and too many people want one.”
Solomon, a high school sophomore, is talking about guns, which have been a constant presence for him and most everyone he knows for as long as he can remember. He’s gesturing toward a street that, on a warm mid-December night, is quiet. It runs uphill from the square in the center of Waterbury, Conn., where Christmas lights twinkle in the trees.
He has just finished a four-hour workout inside the tiny, worn basketball gym where he spends much of his time. His stepfather Bryan Heron runs
As President Obama spoke on Tuesday about acting against gun violence, Jim Fox was on the phone, trying to make sure that every one of the 3,000 or so players in his basketball league, Lightning Basketball, would have a jersey with an orange patch.
The patch signifies that those young men and women, boys and girls, are part of the Wear Orange campaign to end the showers of bullets that maim and kill young people like themselves.
“I’m just fighting with the uniform guy,” said Mr. Fox, who is also a governor of the Amateur Athletic Union for the New York region. He said that at A.A.U. games, referees and other officials would wear orange shirts.
This is a small, spreading prairie fire. It began with 200 young ballplayers in another
The early signing period is a hallmark for high school basketball prospects, realizing the dream to play Division I basketball. For the RENS, an AAU program starting to emerge as a national power, it held the same significance, proof of how far the New York City-based organization has come in a short time, just finishing its fourth year of existence.
By the close of the period, four players — guard Tyrone Cohen (Holy Cross), wings Kai Mitchell (Iona) and Mustapha Heron (Auburn) and forward Tyrique Jones (Xavier) — had signed National Letters of Intent. But even more than that, they went to places where success can be envisioned in short order.
Construction boss to lead campaign that stands against gun violence
Jack Irushalmi, a principal at Tri-Star Construction and original board member of the RENS, a grassroots NYC-based children’s basketball program, has decided to lead a campaign that stands against gun violence.
Following four separate shooting incidents of former and current teammates last year, the RENS teams will participate in the campaign by wearing an “orange patch” on their team uniforms to symbolize their opposition towards gun violence victimizing inner city families.
JACK IRUSHANI
“Orange means make another choice, don’t listen to gang members, close your ears to anyone and everyone who thinks it’s cool to have a gun,” said Irushalmi,
The game of basketball and its culture have an unfortunate association with gun violence. An even more upsetting association is the connection gun violence has with America’s youth. This culture of violence has plagued and effected young basketball players all around the country.
Andy Borman is the Executive Director of the New Renaissance Basketball Association located in New York City. Borman, a graduate of Duke University and member of the 2001 National Championship team has been around basketball his whole life. When asked about gun violence and basketball he had said “Gun violence is a serious problem, When I was in Chicago it was a problem, it was a problem when I coached down
For the 200 kids who play in the New York City based New Renaissance Basketball Association (RENS), gun violence isn’t just a statistic to be used in debates about the second amendment and gun control. Gun violence is something they deal with on a daily basis. It’s personal.
So this season, the teams will wear orange patches on their jerseys as they travel the country to play games. The orange patches are supposed to be to gun violence what the pink ribbon is to breast cancer and the red ribbon was to AIDS. The purpose is to draw attention to the epidemic of gun violence and promote a culture of change, one where guns are no longer considered cool.
The “Wear Orange” campaign was started a few years ago by Chicago teens
RENS basketball players don orange uniform patches in anti-gun campaign.
When the growing epidemic of gun violence hit close to home for a flourishing New York City AAU program, its players, coaches and executives went on the offensive.
“Gun violence is a problem in the inner city and we were in the process of doing something to raise awareness,” said Andy Borman, executive director of the RENS, a grassroots basketball program. “But after we had two of our own players shot and one of our former players shot and killed his girlfriend we sat back and said, ‘Good God, this is bad.’ Something has to be done. Now.”
Borman, the nephew of Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski and
Former Duke guard Andy Borman won a national championship with the Blue Devils in 2001 and currently serves as director of a New York City-based AAU team, the New York RENS. The RENS compete on a nationwide circuit, and this season will use their platform to raise awareness about gun violence.
The Chronicle's Ryan Hoerger spoke with Borman—a nephew of Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski—about the RENS' decision to wear orange patches on their jerseys this season to raise awareness about gun violence. Their conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity.
It’s no secret that gun violence in America is a horrible, horrible problem that takes the lives of many across the nation. For one youth basketball team in New York City called the RENS, four separate shootings resulted in tragically impacting multiple players’ lives. To take a stand against gun violence, the team will wear an orange patch on their uniforms, as seen in this photo:
The RENS will symbolize their opposition to gun violence victimizing inner city families by wearing an “orange patch” on their team uniforms, according to Andy Borman, the program’s Executive Director. Borman noted that this past season alone, two RENS
Guns are pulled over insults on social media, said Amani Allen, center, a Rens player in Harlem. One former teammate was shot in the neck, he said.
Damon Winter / The New York Times
October 27, 2015
About New York
By JIM DWYER
The car pulled up to the corner, a gun jutting from a window, and two of the three boys on the street took off running. The third one, the fastest, a 15-year-old basketball star named Tyrek Chambers, had no time. A single shot caught him in the back. On the sidewalk, bleeding, he yelled that he had been hit.
“Nobody came back,” Tyrek said last week.
Nearly three months after the night he was shot in Brooklyn, the bullet is still lodged near his tailbone. Surgeons were able to repair his colon and attach a colostomy
Love, Honor, Respect, Dedication, Education, Sacrifice, Trust, Friendship, Family, Effort, Peace, Commitment, Teamwork, Tolerance, Humility. These 15 words represent the larger lessons we are seeking to teach all of our young student athletes. For the 2015 season, each of the backs of our new grade school and middle school jerseys will contain one of these beautiful, powerful and meaningful words.
We believe we are the first program in the nation to take such a progressive step and sincerely hope that you support and appreciate the creativity and meaning of these “program words”.
About 18 months ago, RENS founder Dan Klores was speaking to one of his mentors and dear friends, the great, retired coach, Ben Jobe, who at 81 is still
NY RENs (Kat) 12u Team: The RENS advance through pool play with victories over the Riverside Hawks, Castle Rock, and NJ Playaz. In the quarterfinal playoff, the RENS knocked off Riversides 11u team. The semi-final round saw a battle between both NY RENs teams as Coach Steve Harris team took on Coach Kat's team. This is a rivalry which has been going on since last year, with Coach Harris having the edge in the previous matchups. This game saw Coach Kat's team totally charged and poised, as they took no prisoners in a decisive 15-point victory. That set the stage for a championship battle between the home team Gauchos, playing in their home gym, and the determined NY RENS. After an up and down shootout, the RENS emmerged with a 55-54 victory
The NY RENS 11u team went 4-0 to win the Hoop Group Fall Classic. The team played extremely well as they ran away from every opponent, winning all games by double-digit margins. Coach Danny Greens Sr, "We are using the pre-season tournaments to get ready for a run at the National Championship."
What an adventure for the 7U Rens in Washington, DC, for the first-ever
7U Nationals held at the end of June. The squad had just seven players
but averaged 35 points per game and allowed an average of only 13. Going
3-0 in the toughest pool where three of the four teams made it to the
final four, the Rens went to another level in the playoffs. Winning 35-0
in the 1st round and 35-20 in the 2nd round, the team was ready for the
championship against the host team T.J. Lakers. Jumping out heavily on
the Lakers in the 1st half and clearly winning over the crowd, the Rens
dominated and were in charge of the game. Facing several controversial
calls, the team lost a heartbreaking 38-36 in OT. The team consisting of
John Magna, Ethan Wills-Johnston,
Toronto also had a solid July, culminating with the hiring of former NBA All-Star Jerry Stackhouse as an assistant coach.
Stackhouse, who was working for SiriusXM NBA radio as an analyst, improved his stock last month while coaching some of nation’s top rising high school seniors at the 13th annual Adidas EuroCamp in Trevino, Italy. With scouts from all 30 NBA teams in attendance, Stackhouse coached the Adidas Uprising USA Select Team to an undefeated record. The U.S. had never previously won a game in that competition yet Stackhouse went 3-0.
The U.S. team featured two players from the New York RENS AAU club; Rawle Alkins, a 6-3 All-City guard from Christ the King, and Mustapha Heron, a 6-6 lefty swingman out of Waterbury,
The weekend of June 5th - 7th, the 14u Renswent 5-1 at Rumble in the Bronx, falling to CIA Bounce in the championship game. It was a great overall team effort with stand out performances by Joe Toussaint and Phil Joseph, and led by floor general Judah McIntyre. The team continues to come together and work hard on both ends of the floor.
MIT- Maryland's Finest
This weekend the 14u Rens traveled to Maryland to play up and take on some of the best 15u programs in the country. After a sharp opening game against Maryland Liberty Dream, the quintet ran into a buzz saw, PV Cardinals, which landed them in the sliver bracket. Together the team worked its way thru bracket play, winning games against Team Pro Look and then BRYC
Another tournament, another championship for the highly regarded 17u RENS team, however this 17u team had a much different look. Without starting guards Devonte Green, RawleAlkins, and Mustapha Heron, the RENS showed off the depth of talent that embodies this elite New York City team.
Breezing through pool play on Saturday, the RENS defeated the Anaconda All-Stars (33 point win), Stamford Peace (14 point win), and Jersey City Boys Club (18 point win) before facing the River City Reign that night in the first round of bracket play. The Reign fought a tough battle, but the depth of the RENS team paid dividends late in the game, helping them emerge with a 5-point victory.
A double overtime win Sunday against USAD (Conn.) showcased the grit and
On Memorial Day, on the heels of their title victory at Basketball Spotlight, the young RENS beat the Gauchos, 52-46 at Island Garden in Hempstead to place first in the D1 Regional Finals. In front of a packed crowd of hundreds, the team which was able to suit up only nine players struggled at first against their city rivals in a sluggish start. Down 16 - 2, the gritty group hung in there behind some hot shooting by guards Tyler Hawkins and Luke Klores. In the second half, thanks to Coach Steve Harris' intense full court pressure and continued guard play, the "never say never" squad caught up, pulled away and maintained the lead till the end.
RENS 16U Team Wins the Adidas Championship in Indianapolis
Renowned 17U Team Goes 3 - 1
What a difference two weeks makes! The RENS 16 year-old quintet, coached by Hector Almodovar, dominated the action this past weekend in Indianapolis to be crowned champions at the Adidas Uprising Gauntlet. The nine man roster, led by Christ the King sophomore sensation, Jose Alvarado, beat hometown Indiana Elite 69 - 68 in a come-from-behind nail biter in the finals. To get there, the team defeated squads from Florida, New England, New Jersey and Texas. Yet just two weeks ago, Almodovar's group struggled mightily at the season's Adidas Uprising Gauntlet opener in Dallas. Of the dramatic turnaround, Hector said, "We're beginning to look for
14U Rens Takes 15U Title at Jersey's Bball Shootout Spring Jamfest
The 14U Rens coached by Al Pratt decidedly swept all four of their pool opponents this past weekend competing in the 9th grade division of the Bball Shootout Spring Jamfest in New Jersey. The squad then went on to take the 15U title against King Street Kings, winning by more than 20. Coach Pratt explained that the team was clicking in all phases of the game -- sharing the ball and pressuring the teams they played into turning the ball over, resulting in an average margin of victory of 22.5 points per game. Great job!!!
The 6th grade took to Long Island this weekend to compete in the New
York State AAU District Qualifiers. Coached by Steve Harris, the team
lost a tough game by five to the Gauchos on Saturday before returning
Sunday to play team ball at its finest and destroy the rest of the
competition. They bested New Heights by 17 and Castle Athletics and
Brooklyn USA by 25 and 21 respectively, earning Harris' team the top
berth in the district championship on Memorial Day.
: 8th Grade RENS Emerge Victorious over 16u House of Sports HS team
The 8th grade RENS team traveled to the House of Sports on Tuesday, April 7th, to scrimmage the 16u House of Sports AAU team in preparation for the rigorous Spring and Summer season. The RENS 8th graders started slowly, but after adjusting to the physical play of their opponent, the RENS turned up the defensive pressure. Keyed by the rebounding of Erlyn Ramirez and the athleticism of Joe Toussaint, Judah McIntyre, and Philpps Joseph, the RENS quickly gained control of the game. Sam Klores' timely shot making pushed the RENS lead into double digits late in the game. The RENS finished with an 8-point victory achieving critical momentum as they head in to the 2nd week of the
The 7th grade RENS headed down to Norfolk, VA this past weekend to take part in the first stop of the Elevate Basketball Circuit. The first match up,pitted the RENS against one of the most talented teams on the east coast, Slam City. The RENS held their ground as, point guard, "Speedy" Carcamo, paced the team to play organized ball. They never lost momentum and worked diligently to close thelead to 4 points, however they fell short losing45-55.
The loss propelled the RENS to claim their first win against Team Loaded. 6'2" Max Grossman, made his defensive presence known with multiple rebounds and valuable steals. Keyshaun Leslie andAli Saunderson played tag sinking 3pointers. The RENS consistently kept the lead,
Every Spring the best of the best flock to New Jersey to start the high school AAU season at the NJ Playaz Spring Fling tournament held in Neptune, NJ. The field is a who’s who of shoe company programs featuring the best that Adidas, Nike, and Under Armour have to offer in the Northeast.
The 17U RENS team started the tournament by defeating J.C.B.C. and CM3 Elite in pool play on Friday afternoon before soundly defeating the Nike-sponsored team, Expressions Elite (Mass.), by 20 in the late game on Friday night.
The game of the tournament took place in the semi-finals as the RENS faced another Adidas team from the region, the NE Playaz. An uptempo game that featured numerous highlight reel
The 3rd Grade RENS captured another tournament championship game this past weekend (March 14-15), adding another title to an already impressive trophy collection. Playing in Scranton, PA the RENS had two impressive come from behind wins en route to another title. In the semi-finals the RENS erased a 12 point deficit against New Heights before pulling away and posting a 6 point victory. In the Championship, the RENS faced the hometown, Seton Rage, and once again posted a furious come back to take the trophy in front of a capacity crowd. What a terrific achievement for a group of young men that continue to exceed expectations and grow together as a team.
Multiple dominating performances led to a championship game appearance by the 6th Grade RENS team against cross-town rival Bronx Gauchos in the Live City Winter League. While the RENS went on to win the Championship game 36-34 (they're fourth championship this season), the whole story wasn't told by the final score. After controlling the pace of the game in the first half, the RENS found themselves facing a 6 point deficit with 3 minutes to play in the second half forcing Coach Steve Harris to call a much needed timeout. During that timeout, Coach Harris instructed his players to stay composed and trust the game plan. Shifting to a 1-2-1-1 press, the RENS put a run on the Gauchos and walked away with a well-deserved LIVE CITY championship.
3rd Grade RENS Team takes home another Championship
The 3rd Grade (9u) RENS capture another championship in this season by winning the Kips Bay Winter Classic this past weekend (Feb 28 & March 1). After running through the competition, the RENS played a New Heights team composed of numerous former RENS players making the heated competition a contest featuring numerous familiar faces. Staying true to form, the RENS pulled away and won the championship 37-30 and took the championship trophy to its rightful home.
Coach Craig "Kat" Keyes: "I am really proud of our boys. This team has experienced some adversity this season and the kids and parents have been terrific. I'm happy that we won, but more importantly I feel as though
5th Grade RENS win the Duel at Diablo Championship
The 5th Grade RENS team showed incredible fortitude versus the home team, Playtime Panthers, in earning the Championship at the Duel at Diablo basketball tournament. Playing on their home court, the Panthers thought they could not lose, but the RENS held the crown when that final buzzer sounded, scrapping their way to a 2 point victory.
After reconstructing the make up of the 3rd Grade RENS team, the new cast of characters willed their way through tough competition to earn the 2015 Teach Me Classic Championship Title. The team MVP was Jashaun Jones.
Coach Green and Coach Geames led the 10u NY RENS team to the Teach Me Classic Championship in Teaneck, NJ this past weekend.
Said Coach Danny Green Sr, "This group is a joy to coach and we are very proud of the strides that these young men have made thus far! I applaud the kids and their parents for their dedication to the team and the RENS program!"
The 14u RENS team captured the 15u PAT Invitational Championship at the Island Garden (West Hempstead, NY) on January 18. A tough, high IQ team, the RENS played up an age group against multiple high school players en route to a well-deserved tournament championship. Playing short-handed throughout the entire weekend, the RENS 14u team used their skill and basketball IQ to defeat AIM High in the championship game by 30+ points.
Coach Steve Harris' 6th Grade Rens team won the 12U division of the P.A.T. tournament in decided semifinal and championship victories. Starting with just five players, the team knocked off House of Sports Elite 59 - 44 in the semis, before moving on to the championship game against arch rival Gauchos. The Rens jumped on them early with great ball movement and pressure defense which proved to be too much for the Gauchos, who fell 59 - 47. Pictured left to right: Coach Steve Harris, Amani Allen, Luke Klores, Tyler Hawkins, Dareese Mitchell, Russell Rosenthal, Malique Pringle and Assistant Coach Mooney.
The NY RENS 8th grade (14u) team went a perfect 3-0 this weekend in the FunSport NYC playoffs. After finishing the Fun Sport regular season with a 4-1 record, the RENS 8thteam earned the #1 seed in the Fun Sport playoffs that took place this weekend in Brooklyn, NY.
The first round of Fun Sport playoffs took place at Jefferson HS pitting the 8th RENS against the 7th Grade Brooklyn RENS team. The Brooklyn RENS were led by Kareem May, a tough-nosed, talented guard. However, the NY RENS were to deep and to physically imposing for an upset to occur in the introductory round, as the RENS pulled away late and closed the game by a margin of 20 points on Saturday.
The NY RENS hosted an NBA Cares Event inanticipation of the 2015 NBA all-star game.
This years event was held at theKennedy Community Center, located in the heart of Harlem on W 135th St.
There were approximately 100 players from the RENS Program in attendance for this great event of which ranged from 6 to 14 years old. The players, parents, family members and friends eagerly awaited the entrance of an NBA Legend.As players neatly lined in rows,according to their age, applauded theentrance of the legendary NBA All-Star Darrel Dawkins.
The highlight of the event took placewhen Dawkins called a young girl and matched his hands up with hers and said that his hands were once that very same size and the children would
Christ the King junior Rawle Alkins is New York City's top boys basketball player
Alkins has already drawn interest from numerous Division I major programs, including Louisville, UConn and Kansas.
BY Justin Tasch NEW YORK DAILY NEWS Sunday, November 23, 2014, 11:30 PM
Rawle Alkins came running into the gym at Christ the King on a recent Saturday afternoon after the boys basketball team’s practice had already started, holding a note proving he had been at a dentist appointment.
It amused Royals coach Joe Arbitello, who already knew where the 17-year-old Brooklyn native was and trusted the star junior was being truthful.
“He’s calling me, telling me he’s gonna be late,” Arbitello said. “He never misses practice.
In a thrilling fashion, the Rens avenged their early season loss to the
Gauchos to claim the 2014 Live City Basketball Tournament Championship.
It was a hard fought game played at a frantic pace back and forth, but
the Rens were able to slow the pace down and take control late in the
game. The Gauchos did everything they could to claw back from a 9 point
deficit at halftime causing turnovers and creating foul trouble, but the
Rens never relinquished their lead and with great poise, finished the
game with a 31-26 win.
The 8th grade RENS overcame a quick clock, a tough atmosphere, and a physically imposing Gauchos team to win the Live City Championships on Sunday afternoon. Playing in front of a packed house at the Jordan Brand gym at Terminal 23, the RENS overcame a 4-point halftime deficit to claim another championship this fall. The RENS were led by the physically tough play of guard Joe Toussaint and the calming influence of Judah McIntyre at the point throughout. Cole Anthony showed flashes of brilliance on both sides of the ball and Philpps Joseph and Erlyn Ramirez controlled the boards. Ed Sanchez andJayden Davis provided depth and length on the wings as the RENS showed maturity by closing out a hard fought
Billy Council, RENS Grade School Director, has accepted the JV Head Coaching position at Bishop LoughlinMemorial High School. Long known for its rich basketball tradition, Bishop Loughlin plays in the historic NY Catholic League. Coach Council will work with Varsity Head Coach Ed Gonzalez as they continue to build on an already solid foundation of success. Said Council, “I am grateful to be a part of the rich basketball tradition at Bishop Loughlin as Head Coach of their freshman team.”
Coach Billy Council has a history of success on the court and on the sideline that is matched by few. He has coached 2 different teams to Division One National Championships and has also led a Freshman team to the New York City Championship at All
The Gauchos RoundBall Classic hosted a Sunday full of championship games in which the NY RENS were demonstrated the depth of talent and the strength of the entire program from top to bottom.
HS Division – The RENS HS team won their division in convincing fashion with a 15-point victory over the NY Falcons. A depth of talent was on display as Jose Alverado, Isaiah Washington, Jared Rivers, and many more RENS players controlled the game from start to finish. Cruising to victory in a game that was very much in hand from start to finish.
16u Division – This was an all RENS affair, as RENS-White played against RENS-Blue in the championship game. It was a light-hearted affair as RENS HS Director, Artie Cox, coached against RENS 16u Head
8u Division – The RENS 3rd graders won the GauchosRoundBall Classic in style with a victory over the Ball Hoggs in the championship game. After starting the game strong and building a 13-3 lead in the first half, the 3rdgraders were lead to victory through strong team play under the direction of Head Coach Craig Keyes.
This past weekend, the RENs 7th grade team played in the Gauchos Roundball Classic, defeating a tough Wiz Kids team in the semi final by 6, which set up a re-match game with their Bronx rivals the NYC Gauchos.Just two weeks ago, the RENS walked away with a huge win atFunsport, leaving the Gauchos wanting revenge on their home court. The game came down to the final 2 seconds, leaving the RENS with a chance to tie, but a last second buzzer beater fell short, leaving the RENS with a 2-point defeat.
The 3rd Grade RENS team, led by Coach Craig Keyes, marched their way to the championship of the Columbus Weekend Challenge in Cresskill, NJ. The 3rd Graders went 5-0 on the weekend defeating the Metro Mavericks, YBE, and the Riverside Hawks along the way to their first team championship this fall. The 4th Grade RENS players went 4-1 over the weekend and lost a battle in the championship game to the defending AAU National Champions, Riverside Hawks, at the same tournament in NJ. The 5thGrade RENS team had similar success finishing the weekend 2-1 and winning the Silver Bracket Championship at the Hoop Group Fall Jr Jam Fest in Neptune, NJ.
Coach Craig Keyes: “The boys played very well and had a very competitive and productive weekend.
The RENS 8th Grade team played 6 games in less than 48 hours this past weekend and won all 6 in style. Starting the weekend in Brooklyn at the FunSportJrPros Session 1, the 8th Graders went 5 – 0 in tournament play in front of numerous High School coaches and a capacity crowd. The tournament championship pitted the RENS against a well-coached Philly group, Team Final. Jumping out to a quick 26-6 lead, the RENS players locked down defensively and cruised to a 50-point championship. Sandwiched in between tourney games, the 8th graders traveled to Riverbank State Park and beat the home team (Riverbank) by 30. Solid team play and relentless defense has set up this group as the team to beat in the New York City area.
The RENS High School program capped off back-to-back successful Friday night performances at the Gauchos gym this past week. The HS Team and both 16u teams are all undefeated in the RoundBall Classic after sweeping all 3 contests. Coach Artie Cox (RENS H.S. Director) lead his 16u team to a convincing win over a talented Riverbank team in the 7:15 pm contest. Pushing the pace and taking care of the basketball led the 16u RENS-White team to cruise to victory with little worry. Coach HectorAlmovodar’s HS team played the first and last games of the night and left little doubt about the outcome of either game. Coach Almovodar started the night with a 40 point drubbing of the Gauchos on their home floor. The fact that the HS team was without
RENS 17U Point Guard, Justin Wright-Foreman, committed to Hofstra University Wednesday night. Foreman stepped on to the national scene in July with a 48-point game against the Ohio Basketball Club at the famous Adidas Super 64 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He followed that breakout performance with a very efficient tournament, finishing as the second leading scorer at the Adidas only event.
Coming out of July, Justin Wright-Foreman was being heavily recruited by Manhattan, Iona, Fairfield, and Kent State among others. When asked why he chose Hofstra, he said, “Hofstra was just a special place to me. As soon as I stepped on campus I felt at home. On my official visit, I figured out exactly
The RENS Basketball High School Teams started their Fall Season with a very strong showing Friday Night during the first round of the Gauchos RoundBall Classic held at the historic Gauchos Gym. Coach Hector Almovodar lead the RENS HS Division team to a 12-point win over the NJ Playaz in the first game of the night. The HS Division team was led by Rickey McGill (Iona Commit), Jared Rivers (2016), Ryan Preston (2015), and Isaiah Washington (2016), along with many more talented RENS players.Coach Artie Cox followed suit with a thrilling 1-point win over an extremely well coached Riverside Church team. Cox’s 16u RENS-White team found themselves down 4 with under a minute to play before staging a well-executed comeback that had every spectator
The RENS Basketball Program started the 2014-15 season this past weekend with multiple teams playing in two prestigious New York City Tournaments.
Coach Shawn Marks led RENS – Blue to an impressive 30-point victory over the BC Eagles in the IS8 Nike Tip-Off Classic. RENS – Blue featured Nicholas Richards, Samson George, and many more future college-bound all-stars. Coach Marks noted that the team played a complete game from tip to finish. Said Marks, “We really moved to ball well throughout and our defense was extremely sharp.” RENS – Blue and Coach Marks play two more games at IS8 this upcoming Saturday and look to build upon their strong start.
The RENS 8th Grade team started their Gauchos Round Ball tournament
Coach Hector Almodovar's never say die, poised and tough-minded 15-year-old high school team swept eight consecutive opponents to win the championship at the prestigious Adidas Super 64 Invitational this past weekend in Las Vegas.
The team, which played a combination of defenses throughout the week won two overtime games against Indiana Elite (IN) & Eric Gordon All-stars EG10 (IN), blew out Garner Road (NC) in the semis who beat them in Orlando on a last second buzzer shot eventually beating Game Elite (GA) out of Atlanta in the championship.
The 15u Rens team was consistently followed throughout the entire tournament by a bevy of Division 1 coaches. Offers and interest have followed this team home from Vegas after playing in front of
The team started the Classic bracket with just five players after two had to leave at the end of the weekend. Mixed emotions surfaced, but Coach Green and Coach Kenny rallied the boys. Supported by the parents in the bleachers who cheered their hearts and voices out, the Rens
excellent coaching and sheer will led to
?a victory
against Expressions Elite
?, 58 to 51?!
The five had little time to rest, though, facing
Game 6 that afternoon. Smart coaching, drive and focus brought the
Rens another W beating
the Academy Prep Hawks?
? 54 to 47, moving the team to the semis against
the New Birth Warriors
.
?Helped by parents' and grandparents' cheers, the now anointed FAB 5 played their hearts out earning them a berth in
The 14U RENS took their talents to the West Coast, traveling to Las Vegas for the Las Vegas Live Tournament hosted by Big Foot Hoops. It was dramatic to see how the team had matured since the beginning of the season. They were focused and controlled and handled their business like Men. They had little trouble beginning pool play, with decided victories against Washington State's Fusion Elite and APT Sports from California. They had something to prove and they weren’t letting anyone stand in their way, playing RENS basketball with nothing to stop them. They made smart decisions, moved the ball and crashed the glass, defeating their opponents with ease. The team had a slow start in their final pool game against California's Basketball
Major congrats to RENS 16U coach Kenny Pretlow,who has been named the head coach of Lincoln High School in Brooklyn today! Ken has acted as Tiny Morton's chief assistant for the past 12 years. Mr Morton , who has captured numerous PSAL and Statewide titles has become an assistant coach at Seton Hall college.......we wish both well...Artie Cox, RENS high school director said, "I have known kenny and worked with him for almost 25 years and I'm certain he will continue the great Lincoln tradition. He is a classy part of the RENS family."
The New RENS 8th Grade team take their rightful position as champs this weekend in the Silver Bracket of the Lebron James Shooting Stars Classic 2014 Tournament. The boys rallied together and fought through some adversity and tough competition. They met the Slam and Jam Hoyas in the semi-finals winning 58-57 while losing Nayshon Kane to an ankle injury in the 2nd half. The boys were literally unstoppable as they navigated the uncharted waters of losing the dependability of one of their best players. They ultimately took down Team Melo in the Finals 53-51. Congrats to the coaching staff and the players for a valiant effort and bringing home some new hardware!
Coach Steve Harris 7th grade 13u RENS team swept all five opponents in the AAU Super Regional this past weekend at Island garden in Hempstead, NY. On Saturday, the fast breaking squad won its first two games by an average of 50 points each. Sunday the team defeated a taller Gaucho quintet by 20, a feisty five from SCAN and in the finale. They fought hard to beat new jersey's MetroFlyers for the sixth try in seven face offs this season 58/51. Later on Sunday, the shorthanded RENS beat New Heights to win the league title at 'Live City,' a three month long league held at Riverbank State Park. Harris' team went undefeated along the way. Harris' new 5th grade team is coming along in fine fashion.
Congrats to RENS alums, Terrence Samuels and Kenton Facey, sophomore sensations on Coach Kevin Ollie's NCAA 2014 Champions from the University of Connecticut. These two young men were brought into the program during its' first ever season in 2012 by Coaches Shawn Marks and Kariem Meminger, respectively. Marks said, 'they are wonderful young men who will never forget the experience of winning it all!' Meminger added, " it's players like Kenton and Terrence who have helped to make the RENS the class organization and leading program in the metropolitan area in such a short time. We are all so proud of them and their families."
RENS high schoolers will be offered FREE SAT prep sessions via our incredibly successful partnership with St Francis College, led by Dr Peter Leibman. Artie Cox is in charge so parents should contact him asap.
The RENS 13U 7th grade won all six of their games this past weekend to garner the prestigious A Game Tournament crown in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Playing a half dozen games in 26 hours, and handling teams from Virginia, Philly, Jersey, let alone hometown rivals SCAN and New Heights was no easy chore and something which defines this ever improving team as toughminded and resilient..the RENS 3rd and 4th grade quintets both made it to the semifinals at A Game as well! Big cheers to coach Kat and coach Danny Green, their players are learning how to play the right way, fundamentals first!!!
Congrats to Director Artie Cox
Super congrats to RENS high school director Artie Cox , Coach Joe and the rest of the Christ the King staff for winning their second consecutive New York State Basketball crown last week in Albany. CTK had to beat the exceptionally talented and well coached teams from Cardinal Hayes, Bishop Loughlin and Lutheran during their final run. Congrats to all those players and coaches as well.
RENS on the move!!! RENS alum, 6'5" guard Terrence Samuels out of South Shore High in Brooklyn has been lighting it up for NCAA Final Four contender Connecticut. The sophmore burned Iowa State, hitting three consecutive jumpers in Madison Square Garden. His RENS and UCONN teammate, 6'9" Kenton Facey, out of LI Lutheran is a steady presence on Coach Kevin Ollie's bench, set to emerge next season as a bonafide star. RENS' stud Jermaine Lawrence helped Cincinnati make it to March Madness , while 6''8" sophmore Wayne Martin at St. Francis of Brooklyn led his Terriers to a post season bid as well.
13U makes it to CHIP at Live City Winter League. Coach Steve Harris' under manned, but tough minded 7th grade quintet erased a 15 point deficit on sunday evening to clip the Harlem Jets 56/53 in the semi finals of the Live City Winter League, held at Riverbank State Park in Harlem. The RENS were able to dress seven players, two fouled out, one had a 103 degree fever , and two others played with four fouls..Coach Hector Almodovar, who sat in for Coach Steve said, 'we never gave up...this team has a lot of heart. Our sidelines were like a MASH unit, but the kids played defense and had each others' backs thru thick and thin.'
RENS 6th grade team win in a classic March madness way
Congratulations to the RENS 6th grade team on a outstanding, nail bitting championship win yesterday at Kip Bay Boys and Girls club East Costal Sectional against CAS Douglass 50-47. Jalen Smith knocked down 4 free throws in a row to seal the game with 2.5 seconds left Charles Lovett walked away with the tournament MVP. Great job by Coach Gee and Coach Green.
Congrats to RENS high school director and NYC basketball legend, Artie Cox. Along with our friends at Christ the King, which won its' fourth NYC CHSAA championship in the last five years today in front of 5,000 fans at Fordham by defeating Bishop Loughlin.
Rens Athletic Director Billy Council was honored as Man of the Year at The Bronx Leadership High School ESI program. Expand Success Initiative is a group designed to build leadership qualities in young African and Latino men. The major goal of the ESI is to help our young men become strong, positive members of their schools, household,and local communities. They strive to help young men realize their full potential via the opportunities that arise from succeeding in school. Beyond these goals they also spend time discussing social issues and how these issues can affect the daily lives of their members.
Rens 8th Grade team reached the semi-finals in the Basketball Spotlight's Clash For The Cup. The Rens were 4-0 going into the semi- final game against Playaz falling short to seize the win. Congrats to the coaching staff and the players for a valiant effort!
Coach Stevie Harris' 7th grade 13U team won this weekends prestigious 'Clash for the Cup' in Neptune, New Jersey. Led by rugged newcomer Jose Figueroa, the hard playing RENS defeated TEAM TAKEOVER in the finals, 54/42 for their third win of the game, and fifth in two days. The RENS bounced CIA Bounce out of Canada, MetroFlyers, TEAM FINAL and Maryland Playmakers. Coach Harris said, "our goal is to win the National championship in Memphis during the summer, and by then, we will get to be brutally efficient."
Former New York RENS basketball player and Christ the King Royal, Jordan Fuchs has accepted a football scholarship to the University of Indiana. Fuchs, a 2013 grad prepped at Milford Academy this year. He quickly surfaced as one of the best tight ends in the country. Fuchs chose Indiana over Univeristy of Connecticut Rutgers and a plethora of Division 1 schools. His decision to choose football over basketball left many Division 1 hoops programs dissappointed. The RENS organization is very proud of Jordan Fuchs!
On Wednesday evening, more than 25 fortunate grade school student athletes, ages 11 through 14, signed up for the FREE tutoring program the Rens established with the Department of Education at St. Francis College at a get-together there, hosted by the college's Dean of Education Peter Leibman and Rens founder Dan Klores and education coordinator Everton McIntyre. Dr. Leibman, 63, was extremely pleased with the commitment by the parents and the turnout which was more than double that of the inaugural year.
Rens grade school athletic director Billy Council who helped organize the event noted that the one-on-one tutoring program is the most progressive in the metropolitan area. St. Francis graduate students work individually with each child,
Today's New York Post features a Q&A with Ron Artest in which Artest refers to RENS High School Director Artie Cox as "probably the best coach I ever played for."
Writer Steve Serby conducted the interview which included:
Q: Favorite Riverside Church memories?
A: Mr. [Ernie] Lorch. He’s my favorite. I love Mr. Lorch. He just gave so many kids opportunity. He’s the best ever. I’m surprised he never applied for an NBA general manager job. Artie Cox — Artie’s probably the best coach I ever played for. Then you got Kevin Jackson — great coach. But Mr. Lorch was a great mind. He let you be responsible on the court, be responsible for your own actions … treated you like a man.
New York Knicks owner Jim Dolan named the newest Rens board member, Steve Mills, as the team's President and General Manager today. Mills, a longtime friend of Rens founder Dan Klores, joined the Board of Directors two months ago. "We are so happy for Steve and his wonderful family," said Klores. "He's a rare talent who combines brainpower, work ethic, integrity, experience and love of the game."
Going against the advice of AAU basketball "experts" who were convinced that community outreach efforts were "a thing of the past," the RENS, under the leadership of high school director and veteran coach Artie Cox, have recently expanded their already successful outreach program. Founder Dan Klores announced today that in addition to continuing their special relationship with Anne Pinto's remarkable church program in Greenpoint, 'On Point', out of St Cecilia's parish, the RENS have allied themselves with L PAC on Jerome Avenue in the south Bronx and with Carl Benn's new grade school program in Far Rockaway. Artie Cox said, "Being associated with heroic local leaders like Victor Crespo at L PAC, Anne
Every Spring the best of the best flock to New Jersey to start the high school AAU season at the NJ Playaz Spring Fling tournament held in Neptune, NJ. The field is a who’s who of shoe company programs featuring the best that Adidas, Nike, and Under Armour have to offer in the Northeast.
The 17U RENS team started the tournament by defeating J.C.B.C. and CM3 Elite in pool play on Friday afternoon before soundly defeating the Nike-sponsored team, Expressions Elite (Mass.), by 20 in the late game on Friday night.
The game of the tournament took place in the semi-finals as the RENS faced another Adidas team from the region, the NE Playaz. An uptempo game that featured numerous highlight reel
Six foot nine inch power forward, Kenton Facey, from Long Island Lutheran High School, and one of the stars of last season’s super 16U AAU teams, was named the Gatorade New York State Player of the Year, it was announced today. Kenton Facey will attend the University of Connecticut in August, one of eight RENS young scholar athletes to sign with D1 schools in only our first year! Major congrats to Kenton, his family and coaches!
The 6th Grade RENS team, led by Coach Steve Harris, played up in the 7th grade tournament bracket at the Columbus Weekend Challenge in Cresskill, NJ and marched through the competition to claim their first tournament championship of the season. It was a complete team effort throughout as strong guard play and excellent rebounding on both sides of the floor led the team.
The team started the Classic bracket with just five players after two had to leave at the end of the weekend. Mixed emotions surfaced, but Coach Green and Coach Kenny rallied the boys. Supported by the parents in the bleachers who cheered their hearts and voices out, the Rens
excellent coaching and sheer will led to
?a victory
against Expressions Elite
?, 58 to 51?!
The five had little time to rest, though, facing
Game 6 that afternoon. Smart coaching, drive and focus brought the
Rens another W beating
the Academy Prep Hawks?
? 54 to 47, moving the team to the semis against
the New Birth Warriors
.
?Helped by parents' and grandparents' cheers, the now anointed FAB 5 played their hearts out earning them a berth in
The team started the Classic bracket with just five players after two had to leave at the end of the weekend. Mixed emotions surfaced, but Coach Green and Coach Kenny rallied the boys. Supported by the parents in the bleachers who cheered their hearts and voices out, the Rens
excellent coaching and sheer will led to
?a victory
against Expressions Elite
?, 58 to 51?!
The five had little time to rest, though, facing
Game 6 that afternoon. Smart coaching, drive and focus brought the
Rens another W beating
the Academy Prep Hawks?
? 54 to 47, moving the team to the semis against
the New Birth Warriors
.
?Helped by parents' and grandparents' cheers, the now anointed FAB 5 played their hearts out earning them a berth in
Last weekend, Coach Dan Klores' 6th grade 12U team won five of their six games in metropolitan area tournaments and leagues traveling to and from the Queens College based PAT to the House of Sports in Weschester. At the PAT, the RENS defeated the King Street Kings and Milbank before clobbering New Heights in the quarterfinals. On Sunday, however, they lost to a tougher minded Gauchos team in the semis. 'The truth is,' said Coach Klores,' they wanted it more than us so we have a lot of work to do in terms of the kids 'listening' and 'implementing.' We'll get there." The RENS destroyed two 7th and 8th grade teams at the HOS Saturday and Sunday nights. 'We need to play up and play TOGETHER. People complicate
Coach Steve Harris’ tough-minded 6th grade quintet proved their mettle last weekend, capturing the championship in the Playaz Spring Fling Tournament in Paterson, New Jersey, whipping the Westchester Gauchos 44 – 30 after clobbering New Heights in the semis. Later that Sunday, the Rens traveled to the Bronx to win the Riverside tournament, clipping SCAN by nine, after overcoming a three-point half time deficit, and then beating New Heights in the chip for the second time in just a few hours. Congrats to Rens Assistant Coach Hector Almodovar (who managed to make it to New Jersey) and his wife Corinthia on the birth of eight pound six ounce Carmelo Anthony Almodovar born late Thursday night to thrilled older brothers Hector and Amare.
The Rens proudly announced today the addition of two new boys grade school teams. Legendary coach Craig "Kat" Keyes has brought his highly competitive 3rd and 4th grade NY Panthers squads to the city's fastest-growing grassroots basketball program. Kat, who grew up in Springfield Garden, Queens, and works at Bayside High School, has been coaching youngsters for 45 years. A renowned "teacher of the game" who focuses on fundamentals and development, Kat has been with the Panthers since 1999. "My years with the Panthers were enjoyable, but the opportunity to put my kids in the encouraging and progressive family-like atmosphere of the Rens was too tempting to turn down,"
14u Division – A gritty and determined RENS 8th grade team took on a talented 9th grade team from the home team, NY Gauchos. The RENS had a 8 point lead going in to half time, only to see the game forced in to overtime with an impressive 4-point play by RENS 8th graders Cole Anthony with 1.2 seconds left on the clock. Eventually falling in double-overtime, the RENS 8th graders showed why they are the best team in NY at their age group and that they are capable of playing with any HS players in the region.
14u Division – A gritty and determined RENS 8th grade team took on a talented 9th grade team from the home team, NY Gauchos. The RENS had a 8 point lead going in to half time, only to see the game forced in to overtime with an impressive 4-point play by RENS 8th graders Cole Anthony with 1.2 seconds left on the clock. Eventually falling in double-overtime, the RENS 8th graders showed why they are the best team in NY at their age group and that they are capable of playing with any HS players in the region.
The 14U RENS took their talents to the West Coast, traveling to Las Vegas for the Las Vegas Live Tournament hosted by Big Foot Hoops. It was dramatic to see how the team had matured since the beginning of the season. They were focused and controlled and handled their business like Men. They had little trouble beginning pool play, with decided victories against Washington State's Fusion Elite and APT Sports from California. They had something to prove and they weren’t letting anyone stand in their way, playing RENS basketball with nothing to stop them. They made smart decisions, moved the ball and crashed the glass, defeating their opponents with ease. The team had a slow start in their final pool game against California's Basketball
The Rens participated in the competitive National MIT held in the surrounding areas of Washington D.C. It was well represented by over 85 teams from across the country. The first game was against the PAC 13 Jayhawks. The Rens came ready to play and easily defeated the Jayhawks 59-21. The next game was against the famed King James Shooting Stars. After being down at the half, The Rens put on the defensive pressure and turned the deficit into another victory, 67-55. Going 2-0 in Pool play allowed The Rens to advance to the Gold Bracket against the NC Durham Hurricanes. With the momentum still flowing, The Rens overpowered these kids from NC with their speed and athleticism. This win propelled The Rens into the Elite 8 against DC Premier (Formerly
Congratulations to the RENS 8th grade team on winning the P.A.T Invitational. Great job to Coach Billy and his coaching Staff Coach Pop and Coach Hector. Nayshawn Kane walked away with the tournament MVP. The RENS were 6-0 going into the championship game against the Gauchos. They pulled away on a
13-2 run winning 58-46.
Coach Hector Alomdovar's nationally ranked 14U RENS team dominated a tough Brooklyn Badgers squad 80 - 40 to capture the JHS Championship at the annual Conrad McRae summer tournament, held in Brooklyn today. The RENS finished the season undefeated and have been on a roll since their overall 9th place ranking in July's Orlando AAU Nationals. Electrifying forward Marco Morency won the McRae CHIP's MVP. Slick PG Tyler Bourne was named the tourney's Most Valuable Player, and swingman Jose Alvarado crowned the "defensive player" of the prestigious tournament. Coach Hector said, "All of our kids were terrific! They played hard. They play together, and they are mentally tough." Later in the day, Hector coached the
March winds blew mighty strong for the Rens youth basketball program this past weekend with three teams winning big-time championships in two metro area tournaments. Coach Dan Klores’ nationally-ranked 14U team beat New Heights in overtime by a score of 61-58 at the Next Challenge Tournament in Ardsley, NY. The team was down 15 late in the first half, but, as usual, didn’t stop competing. The tight-knit group ran through their first four games led by sharpshooting guards Tyler Bourne, Pierce Boczar and Jason Shill. The emergence of 6’3″ Brandon Miller, defensive wizardry of Bryce Council, brilliant baseline play from Joshua Roberts, and piercing drives by newcomer southpaw Eric Monroe stood out. It was the Rens physical
A big time congrats to the RENS 13U 7th grade team which captured the championship at the Gauchos New Year Classic' over the weekend. Coach Stevie Harris' quintet battled thru one tough opponent after another to go 5/0, defeating the host Gauchos 62/50 in the CHIP on sunday night. The tough minded team also won thrillers against well coached Riverside Church saturday evening, the always tough Metro Flyers in the quarterfinals, and a two point thriller versus the House of Sports five in the semis. Cole Anthony was the tourneys MVP. The veteran team has some new additions which when molded are going to make them into a major national powerhouse.
Coach Billy Council led his 7th grade Rens team through some tough competition this past weekend to capture the crown at the King James Classic 2013 tournament. Founded by Lebron James’ high school coach Dru Joyce, King James is popular not only because Lebron James lends his name to it but because of the high level of competition it offers. Forty top 7th grade AAU basketball teams from as far as California, Washington, New Mexico, Texas, Florida and Canada battled for the title.
New Rens walked away with a 7-0 record for the weekend, playing wth heart and tenacity. New Rens definitely brought the fight with them to Akron, Ohio, as they outplayed Wall 2 Wall in the quarter finals 53-43, then took it to the Metro Sixers 59-56 in the semifinals
The Rens 11-year-old 5th grade team captured the Division II National AAU Championship in Cocoa Beach, Florida, yesterday when they defeated Alabama Steel, a sharp-shooting quintet from Birmingham 46-38 in the finals. Coach Tony Rodriguez' team swept through the tournament, beating teams from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Wisconsin on the way to the chip. The On Point Rens' victory was even more remarkable since the team was essentially put together this year by On Point leader, Anne Pinto. The champions were led by sterling point guard Abdias "Speedy" Carcamo and rebounding phenom Jaheim Young. Rodriguez' pressing defense and crisp ball movement paid off as starters Keyshaun Leslie, Ali Saunderson and Da'Reese
Coach Anne Pinto’s 5th grade Rens team won the chip of the Island Garden Super League on Sunday trouncing Rising Stars Gimpel 57 – 25 to complete their 14 – 1 season. The hometown Rising Stars team had no answer to the pressure Pinto’s young quintet applied. The On Point Rens keep winning and improving.
Tournament and Practice Schedules are still being finalized. Should be up soon! Please check back.
Information
New Renaissance Basketball Association is designed to develop, improve, enrich and encourage each child’s way of life through a student athletic skill program that will offer the opportunity to reach full individual potential both on and off the court.
At New Renaissance we strive for excellence not perfection. Our unwavering promise is to instill in each child a strong sense of self confidence and heightened self esteem in a structured environment.
.png)
![12/12/2015 1:30PM -- New York, NY, U.S.A -- Quaran McPherson (L) wearing a special orange patch to raise awareness against gun violence battles for position on a rebound during a RENS league basketball game -- Photo by Andy Marlin USA TODAY Sports Images, Gannett ORG XMIT: US 134222 FTW 12/13/2015 [Via MerlinFTP Drop]](https://usatftw.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/nate_tabor-e1450873304798.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1)
NY RENs (Kat) 12u Team: The RENS advance through pool play with victories over the Riverside Hawks, Castle Rock, and NJ Playaz. In the quarterfinal playoff, the RENS knocked off Riversides 11u team. The semi-final round saw a battle between both NY RENs teams as Coach Steve Harris team took on Coach Kat's team. This is a rivalry which has been going on since last year, with Coach Harris having the edge in the previous matchups. This game saw Coach Kat's team totally charged and poised, as they took no prisoners in a decisive 15-point victory. That set the stage for a championship battle between the home team Gauchos, playing in their home gym, and the determined NY RENS. After an up and down shootout, the RENS emmerged with a 55-54 victory
.jpg)
Billy Council, RENS Grade School Director, has accepted the JV Head Coaching position at Bishop 
