Team Crate Middle School Girls Secure Third Straight Championship

By Karen Valenti

Rockaway’s own Team Crate MS Girls have done it again—and bigger than ever. This past weekend at the U.S. Junior Nationals Hershey Showcase, the girls brought home their third consecutive clean sweep championship, taking down top-tier teams from Delaware, Maryland, New York City, and even Ontario, Canada. With this win, they’ve officially made their presence known on a larger stage.

Led by Coach Jeffrey Amponsah, this dynamic squad of seven played five games across three days—two on Saturday, two on Sunday, and the championship game on Monday, June 30. Their largest and most widespread championship win yet, this Crate girl squad proved that their brand of basketball is built on toughness, discipline, heart, and a unified Crate culture.

In Game 1 on Saturday, June 28, Team Crate (67) faced the DE Shooting Stars (13). Team Crate opened the tournament with an explosive win against the Delaware-based DE Shooting Stars. The statement was clear: they weren’t here to play—they were here to take over.

In Game 2 on Saturday, June 28, it was Team Crate (53) vs. ON Mumba Academy (35). Ontario, Canada met the full force of Crate’s precision and confidence. Guard Juliana Rosario hit four 3-point shots, proving she had found her spot and couldn’t miss. Canada, take notice.

In Game 3 on Sunday, June 29, Team Crate (49) took on MD Sting (24). Center Gina Franzone, the unshakable core of the team, left MD Sting players thinking twice before entering the paint. She pulled down rebound after rebound and put up 12 points of her own, showing dominance on both ends of the court.

In Game 4 on Sunday, June 29, it was Team Crate (33) vs. NYC Lady Bulldogs (22). This one turned into a spectacle. Spectators from other courts crowded the sideline as tension exploded—rowdy, belligerent Bulldog family members and an unprofessional, trash-talking Bulldog coach created an ugly atmosphere. Verbal attacks were hurled at the Crate girls, both during and after the game, leaving some in tears. But Crate didn’t back down—they spoke loudest through their game.

Despite rolling her ankle mid-game and collapsing in pain, Gina Franzone refused to be benched. She iced it, walked it off, and begged to get back in, helping protect the paint and secure the championship slot.

Guard Jayla Thomas, after a tough stretch and being temporarily subbed out, showed resilience and maturity. She returned to the floor as the Bulldogs were coming back and drained a crucial 3-point shot that sparked Crate’s momentum to help seal the game.

Point Guard Alyssa Scarbrough used the energy in the gym as fuel, snatching back-to-back steals in the final seconds and turning them into a game-clinching run that silenced the chaos.

On Monday, June 30 was the championship game with Team Crate (51) vs. Staten Island Liberty (49), and it was a nail-biter final, against a tough opponent. Staten Island Liberty came with their own firepower—at least three of their girls knocked down multiple 3-pointers on the move—but Team Crate answered every punch with resilience.

Gina Franzone, ankle still swollen and now braced, fought through the pain, pulling boards, protecting the rim, and adding buckets and assists.

Forward Sanaa Tobias, taking a hit to her ankle mid-chip, refused to sit. She showed her versatility as both a big and a guard, continuing to be the glue that held the team together.

Foul trouble dominated the end of the game, with one player on each team racking up five fouls. Crate’s consistency from the line and smart plays under pressure sealed the championship. Credit to Staten Island Liberty for a competitive and classy game—parents and coaches were nothing but respectful.

“All jokes aside, my girls all balled out,” Coach Jeff Amponsah said. “Kate stepped the hell up—her defense and playmaking were at an all-time high. Esther did what she needed to do—pulled boards, played good defense, and scored when it counted. Sanaa was the glue—strong in the paint, strong at guard, consistent all weekend. Gina dominated as she should—soft touches at the rim, force in the paint. Juliana lit it up from deep and showed confidence this weekend. Jayla bounced back strong when we needed her most, and Alyssa’s composure and clutch steals sealed the deal. They made each other better out there—and I couldn’t be prouder. But the job’s not done.”

The summer grind doesn’t stop here. These Team Crate Girls are heating up the NYC circuit, participating in a string of high-profile tournaments, including the Girlsmade, I.S. 8 Summer Classic & Life Empowered Tournament in Brooklyn, the Legends Memorial Classic in Elmhurst and the JC Pro Classic in Tompkins Square Park, Manhattan.

This Rockaway squad is turning heads across boroughs and borders—and they’re just getting started. Expect big things this fall as they enter high school ball.