The Girls Are Back In Town

It’s been a long time coming. 

These women had their season cut short like all spring athletes in 2020. 

I could tell in the dugout they had something special.

It was a shame,

but some are on to better things. 

Graduation.

Transfer Portal.

Some are still here for the ride. 

New Coaches. 

New Field. 

New Teammates. 

Through it all,

that something special still remains. 

I don’t have much to say,

but It’s been a long time coming. 

And the girls are back in town. 


Got Flix?

-GB


2nd Line Sunday


My wife and I went to New Orleans for a quick get away. 

To our surprise, after we booked our flights we learned it was the beginning of Mardi Gras season. 

We spent time on Frenchman St. and on Bourbon St. 

We ate great food and danced in the streets. 

The most impactful time however, was attending the 2nd line parade. 

I left my camera at home, but if you have a phone, you have a camera. 

Hope you enjoy these flix from my Pixel 5. 

I recommend watching this video I found on Youtube as well to get a good understanding of the day.


“How you gonna cross that water?”


Booker T’s Finest

This is Steven Whitley aka Diesel. 


Where does the nickname come from?


I never asked him, but I’ve watched the power that this young man possesses as he dribbles up and down the court.  


The name fits. 


Many of you know him from Norfolk State University,


Booker T. Washington High School,


Or even Norview Middle. 


One thing is for certain.  


He’s from Norfolk and it shows. 


Whitley puts in the work. 


He’s gritty on defense and will make you pay from all three levels on offense.


I heard him say it this evening, 


“Get in my way and it’s curtains for them boys.”


I met Whitley in 2019 at Boo Williams Sports Complex during an AAU Combine. 


I would have never guessed from that day I would form a bond with someone.


This bond has connected me to the 757 sports community in ways I couldn’t imagine. 


From courtside at Norfolk State Games, to private workouts. 


I’ve seen the work put in that translates to the court.  


This man loves the game of basketball. 


He finished one workout earlier and came straight to Booker T. to put in more work. 


Don’t ever question the work ethic, because it’s there. 


It’s probably why they call him Diesel. 


Diesel engines go for hundreds of thousands of miles. 


Like the engine, Whitley never stops working. 


You can see it in the photos below. 


And if you’ve never met him before I’d like to introduce you to number 34. 


Norfolk’s Very Own:


Steven Whitley




I hope you enjoy the photos. 

Got Flix?

-GB


Track Stars


I’ve never taken pictures at a track meet.  

You can’t take pictures at a track meet if you’ve never been to one before, right?

So of course there were a lot of firsts. 

And when presented with new opportunities.

I like to  try something new.

I was blessed with the opportunity to work with Conference Carolinas for their Indoor Track Championship. 

They are such a great team to work with and I met a lot of great people.

The day was a blur. 

But in a good way.

Pole Vaulting, Hammer Throws, Long Jumps, High Jumps, Sprints, Relays, and Long Distance Runs. 

I felt like my head was on a swivel. 

And I liked it. 

Enough about me. 

I have many pictures to share with you all so let’s get to it. 

I hope you enjoy!


If you see yourself in any of these pictures just send me a email or dm me on Instagram and I’ll be sure to share. 


You guys/girls are the best!  Congrats to all of the winners at the championship. 


Hopefully if the championship is back in Virginia Beach next year I’ll see you guys then!


Gelani Banks

Got Flix?


Would You Work This Hard?

This is Zhou (pronounced Joe)

He  is 5’9” Point Guard.

He loves the game of basketball and it shows in his work.

Imagine coming to a foreign land from China in your Highschool years.  

All to realize your dreams.

Do you have what it takes?

He does.

After attending Huntington Prep and Virginia Beach Sports Academy, Zhou wants to continue his dreams and play collegiate basketball. 

He reached out to me to record a few videos to showcase his skill especially since visits and basketball games are very scarce during a pandemic.

I hope you enjoy this short mix. 

If you are a coach, extended raw highlights available upon request. 

Got Flix?

Gelani Banks

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