MKA Masroor Basketball Tourney 2007

Team Virginia, Maryland Bring Game

By Hibbi Iqbal, Regional Nazim Sihhat-e-Jismani

     By the Grace of Allah, 2007 marked the beginning of a new stage in the development of MKA basketball. This stage is that of true international brotherhood and competition. There were teams that came from Germany, UK, and Canada, not to mention the 13 other teams from all over the United States that took part in this annual international tournament hosted by MKA USA. From the SE Region there were two teams that participated: one team consisting of VA/Potomac and the other of Silver Spring/Laurel. The tournament was comprised of round robin games on Saturday in which each team played the other three team in there respective brackets. Team VA went 3-0 in this round while MD struggled, losing all three of there games. The playoff seeding was determined by how each team did on Saturday so MD with there record was placed in the NIT tournament which is a consolation bracket. Team VA was the 4th seed in the NCAA bracket which would determine the overall winner of the tournament.

     Team MD lost there first game but it was a tough hard fought battle until the end when the team got fatigued. Team VA won the first playoff match against York, which brought some new energetic, and skilled khuddam this year. This win got us to the semi-final match against Canada A. Canada A was a young upcoming team with a lot of heart and desire. Their youth and stamina ultimately prevailed as team VA could not keep up. Eventually this team ended up winning the whole tournament and they sure did deserve it.

     Inshallah, as a region next year we will come back with more desire and hunger. Most of our players got complacent after winning the tournament in 2006 and did not train as hard as they needed to. I will personally get with all prospective players from the region and make a team of players that actually put some effort into the game rather than just show up last second and decide to go.

     But most of all, we must remember in our prayers all those who helped make this tournament possible  as well as those who traveled from long distances and from across the world. May Allah reward them for their help and participation, and grant everyone a safe journey back home.