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Former ballers create a league of their own

Fred Jeter | 7/21/2022, 6 p.m.
Think you still got game? Here’s how you can find out.

Think you still got game? Here’s how you can find out.

You don’t have to have a fancy resume to play in the Mature Man Bball League, just an ID saying you’re at least 35 years old.

Under co-directors Ted Berry and Tovian Smith, the 35-and-over league debuted this year on Wednesday nights at the Southside Community Center at 6225 Old Warwick Road. Smith was a standout at Monacan High.

Teams played eight regular games leading into a three-round playoffs.

The team known as First Family won the playoffs with a roster of Levi Osby, Kenny Mickens, Eddie Freeman, Johnny Bradley, Clarence Lewis, Kraig Jackson, JaNard Fleming and Jalani Lawrence.

The opportunity attracted some big-name ballers such as college standouts Kendrick Warren and Bo Jones (VCU), Robert Johnson and Luqman Jaaber (Virginia Union), Berry (Christopher Newport), Tyree Evans (Kent State), Jonathan Hargett (West Virginia), and former NBA standout Reggie Williams.

Before his distinguished pro career, Williams starred at Prince George High and VMI.

The league MVP, former Varina High guard Che’von Davenport, was a relative unknown of the tournament’s runner-up, a team known as 2up/2down.

In addition to Family First and 2 up/2down, other team names included: Tri-City, HOV, Go-Getters, United Disciples and DaTropics.

There was a unique awards celebration. Winners received the traditional trophies, plus cigars and a bottle of Hennessy.

Reggie Mac was behind the mike for the finals but Mack Anderson handled announcements much of the season.

In case you’re wondering, there is no connection between the “Mac/Mack’s” even though both share a flamboyant style. Mack Anderson is former football coach at Armstrong. Reggie Mac is a longtime hoops coach for travel ball.

Mature Man is for former stars and wishful stars hoping their best days are ahead of them.

It’s not too late for “old-timers” to dust off their jump shots. New individuals and teams are encouraged to participate.

The next session starts in August. For details, please contact Berry at (804) 281-6288 or Smith at (804) 833-6328.