An annual basketball tournament in Bedford-Stuyvesant honors the rap artist Biggie Smalls, a neighborhood (and worldwide) legend, and brings out fierce competitors in middle and high school.
Twenty teams competed over the weekend in the 17-and-under and 14-and-under age categories. Winners from the weekend go on to play more games this month, with the tournament culminating in the championship on Sunday, Aug. 27. Girls teams will also compete that final weekend.
Players on Sunday didn't shy away from their competitiveness.
"I think we got something different than these other teams," said Elija Johnson, a tall-for-his-age 13-year-old. "I think we got something special."
Jordan Santiago, 14, said he was spending his summer playing basketball nearly everyday.
"I feel like in order to have fun in this league, you have to be good," said Santiago. He admitted that he was a good player.
To hear more from Sunday's games, click the audio player.
The tournament is being played on the courts at Crispus Attucks playground. Last week, the site was officially named for Biggie, whose given name was Christopher Wallace. He grew up in the neighborhood close to the courts and used to frequent the playground. The foundation named in Wallace's memory sponsors the tournament.
Players get prizes for participating. Winners receive trophies, backpacks and other school supplies.