Undefeated and Unshaken: Team Crate Girls Bring the Championship Home

By Karen Valenti

The middle school girls of Team Crate delivered a statement performance at the Perimeter Sports Memorial Classic, sweeping the tournament with a perfect 4–0 record and bringing home the championship trophy. Representing Far Rockaway, the squad displayed elite teamwork, relentless defense, and unshakable composure under pressure.

Over the course of two days, Team Crate defeated New Heights, Lady Prestige, Rosedale Elite, and New Heights again in the championship rematch. The games tested both their physical skills and mental toughness—especially during the heated matchup with Lady Prestige, where aggressive crowd behavior and unsportsmanlike conduct threatened to rattle the team.

But they never lost focus.

“Through adversity—rowdy parents, hostile energy—we still prevailed,” Head Coach Jeffrey Amponsah said. “They did a very good job moving the ball and cutting on offense, and on defense… they locked things up. Everyone stepped up.”

At the center of the squad—literally and figuratively—was Gina Franzone, a 5’11” 14-year-old who set the tone from the jump, winning all four tip-offs and dominating the boards with aggressive rebounding and high-pressure defense that frustrated opponents all weekend long.

Alyssa Scarbrough, the team’s point guard, was calm under pressure and controlled the game’s tempo with sharp decision-making and fearless leadership. She knocked down a momentum-shifting 3-pointer in the championship game. Kate Tyminski, a fierce forward, added another big three, while contributing grit and hustle on both ends of the court.

The team’s success also relied on its depth. Forwards Sanaa Tobias, Kate Tyminski and Esther Obianefo, held it down in the post, while guards Jayla Thomas and the fierce sister duo Juliana and Jessaly Rosario fueled fast breaks, locked down the perimeter, and brought constant energy on the wings.

Team Crate is a Far Rockaway-based AAU basketball program for boys and girls across all age levels. Known for its no-shortcuts approach, the program includes daily training, intense summer beach workouts, and participation in top tournaments like Spooky Nook, the Hershey Showcase, and the upcoming Luka Jordan Showcase at Nike NYC HQ.

With over 8,000 Instagram followers, Team Crate has caught the attention of top private high schools and college scouts, becoming a rising name in youth basketball development and athlete exposure.

Beyond the court, Team Crate is part of FarRock Strong Incorporated, a nonprofit that empowers local youth through sports, mentorship, violence prevention, and civic engagement. The mission is rooted in community: One Rockaway. One Peninsula. One Future.

For program info or to join: email farrockstrong@gmail.com, call 516-250-3723 or follow @teamcrate on Instagram.