Greenville Parks and Rec Men’s League playoffs begin Thursday.
If you’ve missed regular season action, that’s unfortunate because this league features some of the area’s best former high school, college and even professional players that the area has to offer.
In the 3 p.m. game on Saturday from Elwyn Wards Recreation Center, Carl Lucas, former MVSU Delta Devil and Simmons High School standout nailed a three-point shot to help his Vessels of Mercy team end in a 64-64 tie. (no overtime was played).
In the final game of the day, Greenville Select blew out the Blazers 79-47, led by Jarvis Moore, who finished with 30 points including a one-man 10-0 run in the first half. Moore’s teammate, Charles Hamilton provided a perfect complement on the interior with 15 points and a dunk. “There are several guys out here who are local legends who can still play at a very competitive level,” said Greenville Parks and Rec Director Corey Holmes. “Jarvis Moore played point guard at Alcorn. Carl Lucas was all SWAC and Pastor Charles Hamilton got drafted in major league baseball 20 years ago.”
The league also featured former O’Bannon hoop stars Tyrone Davis and Tristan Taylor. All the former players are among the best in the league, but each talked about how much bettered conditioned they used to be. “All I need to do is lose 50 pounds,” Taylor joked. In a similar vein, Hamilton said, “I think I’m still carrying the freshman 15! Although Moore easily dribbled past Blazers defenders all game long, he harkened back to his younger days…” I remember when I used to be able to run up and down court nonstop. I’m older now!”
Apparently, the collection former college and high school stars who played in the last two games of the day are not the crème de la crème in the league. According to Holmes, “The tournament starts Thursday and must give a shout out to the top team in the league, Dream Chasers. It’s a single elimination tournament. I’m glad that all these players decided to be a part of the league because it inspires kids to know that they are in the presence of local sports legends. It helps us build the next generation of athletes through parks and rec.”
