Events

February 4, 2023

By Maurice Lovell

 

TZ Alumni served as Mentor/Chaperones to the 18th Ranked Arts HS Jaguars Boys Basketball Team.  The team was invited to the Invesco QQQ Legacy Classic HBCU Invitational at Prudential Center in Newark NJ.  The game is a yearly event founded by Arts HS Alumni Michael B. Jordan and a son of Brick City to promote HBCU basketball to Newark Students. The event featured Delaware State, Morgan State, Norfolk State and Hampton University Men’s basketball team.

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The Mentor/Chaperones  from TZAA were Ed “Wiz” Bethea TZ 79’ and Lenny Johnson TZ 87’.  Both spent the entire afternoon with the team.  Sitting courtside as the Arts HS Jaguars beat the Eastside HS Red Raiders in the quarterfinal round of the Essex County Tournament.  Following the game, the brothers met Coach Prophet Kates and Asst Coach David Nichols during their post-game meeting.  They were introduced to the team that includes five Division 1 recruits and star seniors Spence Joyner, Faquir Mosely and junior Savad Godwin.  Ed and Lenny addressed the team and told them TZAA will be escorting them to the Legacy Classic.

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Ed and Lenny sat with the entire contingent of the Arts HS basketball program that also included the cheerleading squad with Coach Raven Parker.  During the game the team was treated to food and drinks by TZAA.  They took time to discuss the scholarships awarded by TZAA to graduating seniors. Most importantly it was the second step in establishing a mentor partnership between Arts HS and TZAA. This includes sponsoring the McQueen Scholarship for a second year, in honor of Tyree McQueen Arts HS Class of 77’ and TZ 79’.