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Inaugural “Bridging the Gap” Basketball Game has a Stellar Finish
Department and Community Shine through Sports
February 4, 2009 – The first “Bridging the Gap” charity basketball game was held at the Midnight Mission in the Skid Row area of Downtown Los Angeles. The game featured the LAPD Young Gunz vs. the Skid Row All-Stars, consisting of members from the Midnight Mission, Wiengart Mission and the Union Rescue Mission.
Prior to the game, eight members of the Young Gunz basketball team participated in serving the nightly dinner given away at the mission. Draped in aprons, hair-nets and gloves, the team served a hot meal consisting of chicken, rice, beans, salad, corn bread, a banana and juice. The mission typically serves 400-500 meals during breakfast, lunch and dinner, to the needy in the area, most of which are regulars. The officers took a moment to talk to the people they served and by the looks on the recipient’s faces, they were very appreciative.
Once dinner was complete, the team headed to the gymnasium to change into their uniforms, stretch and warm-up. As the crowd began to file in, it was apparent who this gym belonged to. Just before tip-off, both teams gathered at center court, exchanged pleasantries and posed for photos. However, once the ball was in the air all that changed.
The Young Gunz jumped out to an early lead with three quick buckets but the Skid Row All-Stars battled back. The teams went back and forth with neither team able to pull away with the lead. By halftime, the Skid Row All-Stars had a 33-29 advantage.
During halftime, the Midnight Mission sponsored a raffle which consisted of prizes donated by the Department and other organizations and individuals. Blankets, electric shavers, gift certificates, duffle bags and a grand prize of two tickets to the House of Blues, Hollywood were given away to the enthusiastic crowd.
The second half picked up right where the first half left off, with fast-breaking offense and tenacious defense. The Young Gunz did not seem to have an answer to the fast break of the Skid Row All-Stars, as they jumped out to an 11 point lead with less than 4 minutes to play. By this time the raucous crowd made for a true home court advantage and had the Young Gunz visibly frustrated.
With the game winding down, the Young Gunz had one last run in them. Led by Jelani Janisse, who scored a game-high 35 points, the team mounted a furious comeback. Two big 3-point baskets by Malik Wilds brought them to within one point. It was then that Jelani Janisse drew a charging foul on the Skid Row All-Stars which gave the ball back to the Young Gunz with 12 seconds to play. They inbounded the ball to the player of the game, Jelani Janisse, and he began to run the clock down. With 6 seconds left Janisse hoisted up a three pointer that was off the mark but was tipped out to Wilds who was all alone behind the arch. He threw it up as the buzzer sounded but the ball rimmed out, giving the Skid Row League All-Stars the victory 62-61.
Afterwards, in true sportsmanship fashion, the teams met at center court and shook hands, ending what would be a fantastic basketball game, all in the name of charity.
With this being the first of what will become an annual tradition, there were no real losers. A good time was had by all and the foundation was set for what is sure to become a great basketball rivalry.
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