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Hilbert edges Hester in summer hoops

| 03 Jul 2017 | 03:01
    Team Hester's Terrell Hester launches the ball from the free throw line. Photos by George leroy Hunter
    Team Hester's Terrell Hester launches the ball from the free throw line. Photos by George leroy Hunter
    Team Hester players from left are Terrell Hester (captain), Aaron Watson, Warren McKinzie Jr., Nigel Bey and Joshua Bastin.
    Team Hester players from left are Terrell Hester (captain), Aaron Watson, Warren McKinzie Jr., Nigel Bey and Joshua Bastin.
    Team Hester's Nigel Bey reaches in to try to seperate the ball from Team Hilbert's Frankie Rios.
    Team Hester's Nigel Bey reaches in to try to seperate the ball from Team Hilbert's Frankie Rios.
    Newton High School graduate and Team Hilbert's Samir Wheeler dribbles the ball as Team Hester's Joshua Bastin keeps pace.
    Newton High School graduate and Team Hilbert's Samir Wheeler dribbles the ball as Team Hester's Joshua Bastin keeps pace.
    Newton High School graduate and Team Hilbert's Frankie Rios rises toward the basket during a shot while covered by Team Hester's Aaron Watson.
    Newton High School graduate and Team Hilbert's Frankie Rios rises toward the basket during a shot while covered by Team Hester's Aaron Watson.
    Team Hilbert and Team Hester battle on the court.
    Team Hilbert and Team Hester battle on the court.
    Wallkill Valley Regional High School graduate and Team Hilbert's Justin Decker dribbles the ball.
    Wallkill Valley Regional High School graduate and Team Hilbert's Justin Decker dribbles the ball.

SPARTA — Team Hilbert (blue) defeated Team Hester in basketball on Thursday, June 29. The final score was 66-58. The Sparta Summer Basketball League game took place on a court at Ungerman Field recreation complex in Sparta.
The contest was the last of the regular season for both squads. The players will get time off for the Independence Day week. The following week the Sparta Summer Basketball League playoffs will take place. A total of ten teams participate in the league.
The Sparta Summer Basketball League has been in existence for over ten years. For most of that time the league has been operated by retired Sparta businessman Charlie Collver. Collver a former Marine and a Vietnam Veteran serves as the Sparta Summer Basketball League's commissioner. He also serves as the recruiter and official score keeper. Many of the basketball players were former high school standouts in the tri-state area. All of the athletes are college level to middle age males.
The names of the teams are derived from the last names of captains.
The season for participating teams begins in June and ends in July. The athletes receive no big contracts nor endorsements for their efforts. They just play for the love of the game and bragging rights. The winning team of the championship game is awarded a plaque and a nice dinner at an area restaurant.
The regular season and post season play runs Monday through Thursday evenings. Two games per night are played at 6:30pm and 7:30pm. Admission is free. There are grandstands but sometimes a lot of spectators attend so be sure to bring a blanket or folding chair. If inclement weather is in the forecast play is moved inside at a local sports facility.
Team records: Team Hilbert 2-6. Team Hester 5-3.