Despite the respectable showing the night before against United Brooklyn, all the people we spoke to about our second game said we would get blown out by 40 points because Domincan Power, at their home court (Dyckman Park), do not lose...ever.  The team Midnight Madness were up against had been playing together for 6 years! The Midnight Madness team had exactly one games experience together and no practise time. Add to that fact that Dyckman Park is now ranked as one of the top 3 playgrounds in all of New York, in terms of competition – and we knew we were going to be up against it.

The atmosphere at Dyckman Park is one you have to experience to understand. The Dominican Power team are from the community, which is deep into Harlem. The court is located right next to the projects – you don’t get any more real than that. The community comes out to support their team – and do not take too kindly too outsiders coming in trying to beat them. With city-wide respected players such as ‘The Slasher’ leading the way – Dominican Power is an incredible experience.

To add to the growing disadvantages for the Midnight Madness team, the players had to wait 2 and a half hours after scheduled tip off time for the other team to show up. The crowd and mic man etc were all there…just no team. Finally, after dark, the Dominican Power team rolled up in fresh Nike customised uniforms – looking every bit the dominating team they had been hyped to be.

Once the game got underway the commentators were ready to chew out the team from England - but again, Junior Williams let New York know that London represents. Understand that. J-Dubs crossover and long ball game was tightly in effect. However, unlike the first game against United Brooklyn, Junior was joined from the start by a re-born Darius Defoe. The ‘Beast From The East’ was dunking and blocking everything in sight – changing the game and perceptions of the Midnight Madness team. Though Dominican Power were lightening quick, and definitely as good as advertised, the English boys more than held their own, basket for basket. With a little hometown refereeing help, Dominican Power went up by an inflated 14 point cushion at the half.

Whether Midnight Madness saw the long waiting time as a disrespect or not, is unclear, but what was clear was – the entire team came to play in the second half. Wayne Robinson started the second half and gave the team a massive boost with back to back, coast to coast lay ups. Keith Jarrett was cleaning the glass like a young Dennis Rodman.. Perry Lawson was killing guys from everywhere, long range 3’s, lay ups in traffic, stop and pops – he did it all. Steven Gayle and Marcus Knight matched the Dominican Power guards move for move, showing excellent quickness and shooting ability. Jimmy Rogers kept rotating Perry and Junior at the point, one in, one out – even though the commentator was pleading for a Junior and Perry back court. Perry earned himself a nickname ‘Dawson’s Creek’ (go figure?). Every time Junior caught the ball the commentator kept telling the crowd ‘Jay Williams – can play ball’…like we needed any reminding. Matthew Bryan was playing beyond his years, rebounding against men, put backs, assists – playing great team basketball.

Down 14 at the half, to everyone’s surprise, Midnight Madness went up by 2 with just over 2 minutes left off of a Marcus Knight jump shot. Dominican Power were forced to call a timeout, and the commentator was going nuts. ‘These guys from England can play – they are welcome back here at Dyckman park ANYTIME!’. After the timeout, the refs and good team play from Dominican Power made sure Midnight Madness did not make it out with the win, finally losing out by 4 points: 68-64. However, on that night in Harlem – the English boys most definitely came of age and represented UK ballers to the fullest, showing NYC that Loul Deng isn’t the only baller with game in England.

The respect from the crowd and tournament organisers after the game was great. The team were invited back to play at 4 more tournaments next summer on the strength of their play, which for one night let the world know, where it matters the most, that UK hoops is for real.

Top scorers on the night: Darius Defoe 18 points, Perry Lawson 14 points, Junior Williams 14 points, Marcus Knight 11 Points.