The Last First
Wrapping the Season
The last first game of the year was a smile throughout.
As we were preparing to film, to capture, to get the pieces together, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy.
Mario, Logan, Alex, and I joked.
We laughed.
Preparing for this game felt effortless.
We just knew what to do.
“We’d learned the steps in the two other games before this one, but this one felt different.”
We’d learned the steps in the two other games before this one,
but this one felt different.
The fall was here.
The sun set faster, earlier than spring and summer games.
This was our last game of the season, and it was the very beginning of fall.
A newness was in the air.
You could sense it.
Our reigning and defending champs, “Heavenly Squeeze”, showed up ready to go, sharper, quicker, smoother than ever, led by team captain Cedric Williams. (Alongside teammates Juan Herra and Kemp Bennet)
I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with Cedric off the court this year,
since meeting him at the last game (where their team won).
It’s obvious that he’s a leader.
He cares about his people.
He cares about his family.
He cares about basketball and what
basketball can do for a community.
He deserves his flowers.
The Game
Our challenger, Team 24/8, fought hard, but Heavenly Squeeze kept the crown, the game ball, and a fresh fold of cash.
This game, we had the great privilege of having Tacoma legend Alex Montgomery - former WNBA player, professional hooper, and head coach of Annie Wright’s varsity basketball team - co-host the event and referee.
Man… she’s a delight.
She’s funny.
She’s warm.
Easy to talk to.
That’s hard to find, especially when you’re dealing with a champion like her,
a fierce competitor who’s celebrated so many milestones in her career.
For her to take the time to engage in a schoolyard pickup game,
to help us promote it, and to bring a sense of authority to the court -
she deserves her flowers.
The series went exactly how I’d hoped it would:
competitors competing, money on the line, bragging rights earned, our ten team commitment to capture and document these games in their entirety - all of it helping make this a moment that will last in Tacoma hoop history.
Thank you to everyone who showed up, who engaged, who made this possible.
We see you.
We’ll see you in 2026.
Peace.
So now what? see you next year
Follow @theten253.
Watch the film.
Feel what we felt.
And stay ready.
Because the next First to Ten is already circling. See you later.
