Philly’s ‘Chosen League’ Restart
Words. HShoop
Yesterday the High School Hoop crew took the two hour drive down the turnpike to check out opening night at The Chosen League, in Philadelphia. The league which is played at Cherashore Playground located on 10th and Olney is considered the best league in Philadelphia right now, surpassing the Sonny Hill league which had been top dog in the area for years.
The league was founded by New York native, but adopted Philly king, Rahim Thompson and has been up and running since the summer of 2002. The Chosen League is considered a rite of passage for Philly ballers. Regardless of your reputation, if you half-step the crowd will not hesitate to let you know how they feel. There is only a high school division and every high school ball player from Kyle Lowry of the Memphis Grizzlies, to top 25 senior-to-be Maalik Wayns has graced the concrete at Cherashore.
Unfortunately Mother Nature had other plans. Wednesday’s games were rained out, and the 150 fans that had gathered at the playground two hours before tip-off had to deal with the weather. But it was amazing to see local kids still playing on the two full courts even through the pouring rain. Philly is truly a basketball city through and through.
The rain date is set for Friday, please believe that the High School Hoop crew will be making that two hour pilgrimage to 10th and Olney in Philly. — Kyle Henry
