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Net Gain Tournament 2004 Finals
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
Halftime of the Knicks' final home game
Madison Square Garden |
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The screams of a sold-out crowd pounded in their ears like basketballs hitting the court as a group of talented athletes gathered in the tunnel of Madison Square Garden. All thoughts of the day's events - of Board meetings, of Algebra exams - came to a sudden halt and rested upon one shining moment. It was the evening of April 14th and dreams were about to come true.
High school students with faint scars on their knees from playing ball on concrete neighborhood courts with rusting hoops beheld the shiny floors and towering stands of Madison Square Garden. Corporate men became young boys again as they took in the view - this time, from the player's bench. The Citigroup/Child School Team and The White & Case/Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School and the High School for Economics and Finance Team had battled their way to the top in April 1st's Net Gain Tournament. This final game, during halftime of the Knicks' last home game, would determine the winners of the entire tournament.
The game got off to a quick start, with both teams fighting hard for the win. In the end, the Citigroup/Child School Team took home the title of 2004 Net Gain Champions. The final buzzer also announced the triumphant end of an event that raised $500,000 for Youth, I.N.C. and the basketball programs of 32 New York City high school teams. Win or lose, at the end of the game, each of those talented athletes walked out of a spotlight that would never fade from their memories. And as they walked into the whirl of another New York night, they knew they had what it takes to play the Garden.
For more information about Youth, I.N.C. or the Net Gain Tournament please contact
Katie Vivalo: katie@youthinc-usa.org
202.338.6100 x134.
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