When the NYC Elite 32 Holiday Classic tipped off on Saturday, December 27 and Sunday, December 28 at Springfield High School in Queens, New York, the two day basketball tournament was a chance to highlight some of the best Junior Varsity and Varsity basketball players from across New York City. 

It was also the opportunity for everyone involved in Queens in bringing the NYC Elite 32 to life to put a focus on community-wide peace during the holiday season.

Along with a number of hard fought games on both days of action, the NYC Elite 32 Holiday Classic included a $2500 scholarship thanks to OWYN, a plant base protein drink and also renowned basketball publication, SLAM Magazine. The scholarship award was presented to Susan E. Wagner High School's Senior Mehki Jackson.

All of the basketball games were streamed and are available on ClashTV. You can also check out clips, highlights, and recaps by visiting NYC Elite 32. Look back on the NYC Elite 32 Holiday Classic through the coverage by Pix11 and NY News 1:

Thank you @PIX11News for your coverage of the NYC Elite 32 holiday classic we look forward to building with you guys in the near future. Sp pic.twitter.com/wCTDQWO149

— Ballin 4 Peace (@ballin4peace) January 1, 2024

 

In #Queens, the annual @ballin4peace tournament kept kids safe and away from violence during their school break. #AroundTheBoroughs #ny1 @chelsea_j_katz @Sherwoodstock pic.twitter.com/RyJyJy3QoD

— Ron Lee (@RonLeeReporting) January 3, 2024

“I want to just give these guys the opportunity that I didn’t have and to give them during this time,” Ballin’ 4 Peace founder, Haron Hargrave told Pix11.

Promoting a message of peace and unity across New York City, 501c3 non-profit organization Ballin' 4 Peace has impacted communities on and off the court since 2012.

The organization was founded by Queens native and former D1 guard at Sacramento State -- Haron Hargrave -- in response to a tragedy of gun violence and is committed to steering NYC youth away from violence. By promoting peace through sports, Ballin' 4 Peace has partnered with the NYPD, NYC Parks & Rec. Department, The Junior Knicks, the NBA Players Association, Wilson Basketball, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and NYC Mayor Eric Adams, among other notables and organizations who have partnered with Ballin' 4 Peace.

The NYC Elite 32 Holiday Classic is a testament to the commitment of Ballin' 4 Peace to continue giving back and making a positive impact in sports and the community. 

To donate to Ballin 4 Peace and help support the organization’s year-round programs and events, visit the official Ballin' 4 Peace website. For partners and sponsors interested in teaming-up with Ballin' 4 Peace or for more information about the NYC Elite Holiday Classic, email info@ballin4peace.org,