3.8 seconds on the clock. Score: 68-66. Trailing team with possession.

You literally could not draw up a better ending to our 2026 Men’s College/Pro season.

Two tournament newcomers battling in the championship game in their very first year. On one side, Coach Glasses stepping up to lead Gwalla NYC after winning the HS championship last summer. On the other, Young Onez returning to Dyckman Park with a rebranded squad, playing with heavy hearts all summer following the heartbreaking loss of their comrade, Kinu Rochford, just over a month ago.

This one was an instant classic.

As a high-octane appetizer to the main event, we kicked off the Boys HS Playoffs on Chip Night with the #3 Unsung Yutes taking on #6 Mookie’s All-Stars.

It was a tightly contested first half. After being tied at 26, the Unsung Yutes closed the period on a 17-8 run behind Julian Harris, who was scorching hot with 19 first-half points.

Basketball is a game of runs, and Mookie’s All-Stars responded out of the break with an 18-2 blitz of their own to take the lead. Mookie's stayed in total control from that point forward to pull off the playoff upset.

The stage was set for our 2026 Men's Pro title game. Young Onez came out firing, opening on a quick 7-0 run that forced an early Gwalla NYC timeout. Dan Braster immediately asserted his dominance out of the huddle, scoring 10 of Gwalla’s next 12 points to take the lead.

It was a physical, back-and-forth battle throughout the opening period, with Gwalla taking a narrow 31-28 edge into halftime behind Braster’s 16 first-half points. You could hear Cha-Ching giving Braster his props on the mic: “He been around the block before—this ain’t a corporate league hooper!”

Four minutes into the second half, Gwalla NYC extended their advantage to 39-31. But Andre Rivera and Young Onez refused to back down. Pushing all the way back from behind, Young Onez took their first lead of the second half at 55-54 following a pair of Dimitre Alston free throws with 3:20 remaining.

That lead was short-lived as Gwalla NYC answered right back. Leading by two with 1:34 on the clock, Adam Njie drilled a massive three-pointer as the shot clock winded down to extend Gwalla's lead to five. Jordan Washington converted a tough layup on the other end for Young Onez, but Braster responded with a clutch bucket of his own.

Down the stretch, it became a free-throw contest. With 6.7 seconds left and a chance to make it a three-point game, Gwalla’s Dylan Wusu went 1-for-2 at the line, keeping the door open for Young Onez.

With 3.8 seconds remaining, Young Onez got the ball to Rivera—who carried them all second half with 20 points—and he executed a jump-pass to Washington on the block. Washington elevated for the game-tying fadeaway, but 7'0" Mohamed Wague met him at the apex for a partial block as time expired. Ball game.

Gwalla NYC completes a miraculous 2026 run—starting the year 0-2 before rattling off six straight wins to take the crown. From everyone calling them "a donation" and a potential laughing stock, to squeezing into the postseason, to standing tall as 2026 Champions. That's tough! 🫡

What a ride. Despite a late tournament start and multiple rain delays, nights like last night make it all worth it. We still have high school playoff action to finish before our 2026 season officially wraps, but once the Men’s Pro Division crowns its king, it’s smooth sailing to the finish line.

Congratulations again to Gwalla NYC on winning the title, and maximum respect to Young Onez for an incredible season and an unforgettable championship performance. Both of these programs will be perennial contenders at Dyckman Park for years to come.

🌧️ Weather Update: We have three high school playoff games scheduled for tonight, but the forecast is looking challenging. Stay tuned to our official Instagram page for updates throughout the day.

As always, thank you for tapping into the Dyckman Dispatch! 🗞️

-Miguel signing out, Peace ✌️