Max Cohen
What started out 20 years ago as a simple tournament, turned into a grand event that every one looks forward to each summer. It has gone from just another basketball tournament to the basketball tournament of the summer. Many people thought that the era of TopGun being the season’s top tournament was coming to an end. This year, TopGun made a 360? turn and once again brought the community together for an even bigger and better event.
Ralph Mizrahi and I put together a committee dedicated to bringing TopGun back to its glory. Last winter, this new committee had a meeting in the SBH building. For a few hours we sat and brainstormed. After much discussion, our blueprints for TopGun’s future were mapped out and as we walked out of the meeting, excited and anxious to finally get working, I heard someone whisper, “TopGun is back!”
Calls were made for sponsorships, tournament captains were chosen and individual jobs were given to each committee member. Then summer came and our anxiety grew, as we prepared for the event.
Our advertising team worked diligently on promoting our tournament. They handed out frisbees and beach balls and got local restaurants involved. Much thanks goes to Sol Dayan for his efforts, because on tournament day we saw the results of months of planning! However, I’m getting ahead of myself.
A few days before the tournament, committee members and volunteers met at the SBH warehouse to pack 1,000 beautiful drawstring bags, containing sweatshirts, beach towels generously donated by Joey Franco, water bottles from Bank Ha’poalim, socks by Ikey Ash, hats by Concept One Accessories, and very sleek iPhone cases by Lifeworks. This project took 6 hours.
Two days later, we started setting up. We moved, we carried, we dragged, we ran, we drove. Tables were put out and so much more. After long hours of hard work, sleepless days, countless weeks, and many months of planning, we headed home at 2 am to nap before our 6 am roll call. It was a night we’ll all remember. We had planned an unforgettable tournament.
Tournament day was a success. Beginning at 6 am, calls were being made to the committee, equipment was delivered, and we set up for our first ever TopGun 5k.
By 9 am, 250 people had gathered for some training and music by DJ Guindi. At 9:15, sneakers hit the ground and the countdown began. Cheers were chanted, smiles were exchanged and runners were soon on their way. As a runner, I can tell you that it was a sensational, unifying, and exhilarating race that I wanted to keep running forever, but I knew that compared to TopGun’s next events, the race was just a morning run in the park.
As players arrived, they claimed their TopGun bags and marched off to their sport. An intense 4 on 4 men’s sand volleyball game was played under Morris Kassin’s leadership.
Girl’s basketball was exciting with unbelievable passing and swishing hoops. At the ping pong tables, players proved to be extremely talented. Fans watched with mouth dropping expressions during some of the intense rallies and slams.
The tennis competition was fierce. Extremely talented players doubled up and hit the clay. There were unbelievable match ups, but nothing compared to the intensity of the playoffs.
Back at the main court, Leon Betesh, the coordinator of the young men’s tournament, and his team earned the title of champions.
As the day was slowly coming to an end, everyone grabbed burgers and hotdogs provided by Prime Cut along with the delicious salads and pastas generously made by our hosts. They ate, then quickly made their way towards the court for the championship gamethe men’s basketball finals. The level of play was above expectations. Every pass drew the crowd closer. Every dribble made their eyes grow bigger and the intensity was beyond the norm.
A spectacular day was coming to an end, as the clock read 9:30 pm. I felt as though I was finishing up that last few feet in a marathon, bursting with energy, much like I felt earlier that morning during the 5k. It was a feeling shared by the entire committee. As we finished cleaning and left, I heard someone whisper, “TopGun is back!”
I would like to thank Charles Anteby, who gave us the leadership and guidance that made this tournament possible. A huge thank you must go to the committee: Rosie Cohen, Alfonse Missry, Sol Dayan, Isaac Sasson, Joey Sasson, Abie Cohen, Ralph Mizrahi, Gabrielle Sabbagh, and Sammy Uziel. The committee worked tirelessly for months, making sure that the event was a success. And finally, I must thank our hosts, Amy and Steven Sasson and Adelaide and Ralph Khezrie. I can’t even begin to describe their generosity and kindness. They graciously opened their homes and helped us the whole way through. Thank you!
