Dozens of teenage boys recently competed in the first annual Smokin' Aces Basketball Tournament. As one of the last summer tournaments, the boys were psyched and played all day under the beaming sun. Nissim Levy organized the tournament for his peers and arranged the 3-on-3 teams. Nissim's grandparents, Nissim and Roselyn Levy, graciously opened their home to host the event. The boys were well fed with plenty of barbecue, and a DJ kept them pumped throughout the day.

“The boys were happy just to be there and do what they love doing,” said one spectator. Participants and onlookers alike waited expectantly for the final match. It all came down to Nissim and Joey Balassiano's team, especially intriguing because Nissim and Joey are best friends. Never expecting to come head to head, the boys played competitively but courteously. Joey, Norman Esses and Mickey Tawil emerged victorious. MVP was David Haddad, and the sportsmanship award was presented to Joey Sabbagh. Nissim proudly gave them their trophies with a big smile on his face.

The day ended with the boys cooling off by jumping into a refreshing pool. Noisily splashing, they all recounted the day's excitement. Stay tuned for next year's tournament, promised to be bigger and even better!
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Yvonne Harari is a graduate of Brooklyn College and Allegra Franco Sephardic Women’s Teachers College.