Homegrown Heroes: Team Crate Captures 2025 Girl Made Summer 14U Championship

By Karen Valenti

From the heart of Far Rockaway, Team Crate’s 14U girls have delivered yet another victory that will be etched in local basketball history. On Sunday, August 10, in front of a crowd that could feel the pulse of the community, the girls capped off their Girl Made Summer League championship run with a nail-biting 21–19 win over the Riverside Lady Hawks at Marine Park, making it official—this team is a force to be reckoned with.

The squad, homegrown and forged in the heart of Far Rockaway, ran through the tournament with the target squarely on their backs as the #1 seed. But from the first whistle to the final buzzer of the championship, they played with grit, unity, and determination, silencing every doubter along the way.

The tournament was a perfect blend of high-octane offense, suffocating defense, and gut-check moments. In the early rounds, Team Crate steamrolled through their competition, securing victories over heavy hitters like RBO, Lady Xmen, and CBTS with a mix of offensive firepower and relentless pressure. Forward Sanaa Tobias and center Gina Franzone were a constant presence in the paint, while point guard Alyssa Scarbrough masterfully ran the offense.

But the semifinals saw the first major challenge, as Team Crate faced off against a fierce PD Nation squad. PD Nation’s quick guard play and aggressive offense were a tough test, but Crate’s defense proved up to the task. Forward Kate Tyminski and Scarbrough dropped 12 points apiece, while guards Jayla Thomas and Kamiya James played pivotal roles in securing steals and pushing the ball in transition. A crucial fast-break finish by Tyminski and a clutch steal by Scarbrough helped seal the 38–29 win and punch Crate’s ticket to the final.

Then came the Riverside Lady Hawks—equally strong, fast, and focused. Known for their deadly shooting from beyond the arc and a powerful center in the paint, Riverside wasn’t about to go down without a fight. But Team Crate, always playing for more than just themselves, turned the pressure into fuel.

In a low-scoring thriller (21–19), the Crate girls showed the true meaning of teamwork. The victory wasn’t just about scoring; it was about tenacity, about finding the strength to fight through every possession. Scarbrough led the charge with 10 points and clutch playmaking, while forward Shaliyah Willis and center Gina Franzone added four points each, with Franzone pulling down critical rebounds and blocking shots in the paint. Willis, only 12 years old playing up with the big girls, made a massive impact, doing big things at a key moment.

While Scarbrough’s MVP-caliber performance was key, this was a victory earned by everyone on the floor. The defense, from guard Juliana Rosario and forward Kamiya James, was impenetrable. Rosario and James as a team forced a key turnover, while playing a role in locking down Riverside’s perimeter shooters. In the final minutes, as Riverside mounted a desperate comeback, Team Crate stayed poised, refusing to let the game slip away.

Kate Tyminski, Jayla Thomas and Sanaa Tobias shined though hustle and defense that were invaluable. Tyminski and Thomas’ key stops on Riverside’s high-scoring guard duo and Franzone and Tobias’ relentless effort in the paint were the unsung heroes of this battle.

Once again, point guard Alyssa Scarbrough showed why she is the heart and soul of this Team Crate girl squad. Named the 2025 League MVP, Scarbrough’s leadership on the court was undeniable. Her ability to read the game, trust her team, make timely passes, and score when needed was instrumental in the championship win. Her calm under pressure and ability to make others better has earned her the respect of teammates and opponents alike.

“We’ve worked so hard to get to this point,” Coach Jeffrey Amponsah said. “Alyssa has been incredible all year, and I couldn’t be prouder of her leadership. But this championship isn’t just about one player—it’s about a team that has come together, fought through adversity, and earned every single point. I’m just proud to be part of this.”

As if securing the Girl Made Summer League title wasn’t enough, the Team Crate 14U girls have their sights set on even bigger challenges. Next up are the semi-finals of high-profile tournaments, including Life Empowered, Legends, and JC Pro Classic, where they’ll continue to showcase their skills and represent Far Rockaway on the city-wide stage.

But after a championship win at Marine Park, one thing is clear—this is just the beginning. “None of this would be possible without each and every player stepping up,” Coach Jeff said. “They all contributed when it counted. And we’re ready for what’s next. We’re just getting started.”

Team Crate Girls are more than just a basketball team—they are a symbol of what happens when a community comes together to support its own. Far Rockaway has long been a breeding ground for talent, and this team has put their neighborhood on the map in a big way. With every victory, they carry the spirit of Rockaway with them—united, strong, and unstoppable.

The future of this squad is bright, and the sky’s the limit. For now, they’ll continue to make their mark, but rest assured, they’ll always be the pride of Far Rockaway—pushing each other, lifting up their community, and playing for something bigger than just a trophy.

One Rockaway. One Peninsula. One Future.