Los Angeles native and Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Baron Davis held his 2nd Annual All-Stars Kickball Challenge on Sunday at his alma mater, Crossroads High School. The event benefited Rising Stars Of America. RSOA’s mission is “to utilize athletics as a means of teaching ethical, social values and life skills through mentorship and positive role modeling to today’s youth.”
Two teams faced off, The black team and The gray team. The Black roster featured, Volleyball player Kim Glass, actors Michael Ealy, Damien Wayans and Guy Tory. Also on the team, actress and America’s Next Top Model winner, Eva Marcelle, Golden State Warriors forward, Dorell Wright and captain, Baron Davis.
The gray team led by Clippers forward Craig Smith featured Washington Wizards teammates John Wall (the game’s MVP) and Nick Young, tennis player James Blake, Shelden Williams (his wife, Sparks’ star Candace Parker and their daughter were there too) as well as Giants WR Ramses Barden. Miami Heat Star Dwyane Wade and girlfriend Gabrielle Union stopped by as did Candace’s teammate, Tina Thompson.
The gray team pretty much dominated the entire game . John Wall had a crazy home run that earned him the Golden Boot award.
Baron announced that next year the event will be bigger and he plans to make it a tournament.
I love the concept behind this foundation. In today’s society we hear a lot of references to lack of sportsmanship in today’s game. An NBA star reaching out and becoming apart of a young athletes personal development (not just their own the court skills) is something that kids will remember for the rest of their lives. Nothing beats personal connections.
To get more information on Rising Stars Of America and their programs, check out their website.
