WEARE757 Rising Stars Showcase Recap:
What a weekend! Almost forgot it was Easter
The inaugural WEARE757 Rising Stars Basketball Games brought together elite 8th grade talent from across the region, with players representing Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Hampton, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Yorktown, Grafton, and Portsmouth. Our goal was simple, to create a platform where the next generation could be seen, celebrated, and inspired.
From the very beginning, the energy was different.
Athletes were welcomed with custom gear, giving them something to represent the moment, and had the opportunity to capture it with photos alongside Lance Hinton Photography. It set the tone for what this experience was about—exposure, confidence, and stepping into the next level.
The day tipped off with the Boys 3-Point Contest, and it didn’t disappoint. Troy, a guard out of Chesapeake, caught fire and lit up the gym with a 21-point round that had the crowd on their feet.
On the girls side, Aria, representing Virginia Beach, showed poise and consistency, knocking down shots and taking home the crown.
Then came the games.
The girls matchup was a story of momentum and resilience. The Orange Team came out strong, building a 10-point lead heading into halftime. But the Black Team responded with heart and intensity, led by Dream and Jay’lay. Dream, representing Newport News, dominated both ends of the floor, finishing with 13 points and 9 rebounds, sparking the comeback and shifting the energy of the game.
The boys game followed with a high-level, back-and-forth battle filled with athleticism, skill, and competitive fire. In the second half, Jace, a Chesapeake native, took over in a major way—knocking down six three-pointers and finishing with 26 points in a breakout performance that defined the night.
This event was more than just games. It was about creating a moment that recognizes these athletes during a pivotal transition as they prepare for high school, both on and off the court.
The WEARE757 Rising Stars Game is a reflection of what’s possible when a community comes together to invest in its youth. The talent is here. The passion is here. And most importantly, the future is here.
And huge shoutout to our partners at Juuphe Basketball who made this possible.
Greenbox Foundation 