DULUTH, Minn. — Phil Homere has spent years building basketball programs, mentoring young athletes and trying to strengthen the connection between the game and the community. On Juneteenth, he saw all of those efforts come together under one roof.
What unfolded was more than an exhibition basketball game. It was a celebration of community, friendship, mentorship and the power of sports to bring people together.
"Another great event took place in this beautiful city," Homere said afterward. "I have lived in this city for 16 years now. I guess I can call it home."
For one night, basketball served as the gathering place. Former players, current athletes, coaches, supporters, business owners and families packed the event, creating an atmosphere that reflected what Homere believes Duluth can be at its best.
"It is always awesome to be able to have the community come together and even better when it involves the game of basketball," Homere said.
The event required months of planning and the help of dozens of volunteers and supporters. Homere made a point of publicly thanking C.J. Ham, Trevor Paulus, Shaquille Coleman, Yvonne Ciara Woodfork, Liza IllWill, Michael Joseph, Jordan Lee, Mike Lowery, Greg Johnson, Jessann Lazzaro, Willie Woodfork, Pez Davila, Ina Newton, Finnley Powell, Erik Lofald, Dre Sherill, Marnaries Ferguson, Aidan Newton, James Phillips, Joe Macor, Joe DuPree, Cole Gimpel, Jeffrey McClure, Rex Dopp, Angelo Florestano, Elijah Ham-Williams, Gio Saldivar, Zavier Scott, Ques Jones, Wyrott Gerson, Cale Larsen, Andrew Koski, Bryce Lien and Dior for helping make the evening possible.
The sponsors and community partners played a significant role as well. Homere singled out IcanIWill, State Farm, KingOfCreams, TheWagingPeaceProject, A-1 Landscaping LLC, Neighborhood Youth Services Inc., the Duluth Huskies, American Legion West Duluth Post 71, Quality Collision, Just In Time Barber Academy, Pretty Psych'd, Homere's Hoop Stars, KJ's Kitchen and the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office Boxing Club for supporting the event and helping ensure its success.
The basketball itself delivered plenty of entertainment.
In a high-scoring showcase featuring former standouts and local basketball talent, Team CJ Ham edged Team Phil Homere 139-134 in a game that featured fast-paced offense, highlight plays and enough scoring to keep the crowd engaged throughout the evening.
Retired Minnesota Vikings fullback Ham led his squad with a near triple-double, finishing with 17 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and a steal. Willie Woodfork dominated inside with 27 points, 17 rebounds and four assists, while Trevor Paulus matched Woodfork's scoring output with 27 points and added 12 rebounds. Zavier Scott contributed 21 points, five rebounds, one assist and three steals, while Finnley Powell scored 17 points and added three assists.
Levonta Love chipped in 13 points, six rebounds and two assists. Elijah Ham-Williams added nine points, six rebounds and two steals. Joe Lorenzi finished with six points, three rebounds and one assist. Jordan Diver contributed two points, two rebounds and two assists, while Erik Lofald added four rebounds and an assist.
Homere's team answered nearly every challenge.
Homere himself contributed across the board with 13 points, six rebounds, seven assists, four steals and a blocked shot. Shaquille Coleman added six points, six rebounds, eight assists and a steal. Marnaries Ferguson led Team Homere with 29 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal. Brooks Johnson scored 26 points and grabbed five rebounds, while Gio Saldivar added 24 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal.
Dre Sherill contributed 12 points and four rebounds. James Phillips scored seven points while adding five rebounds and two steals. Ques Jones collected six points, five rebounds and an assist. Aidan Newton finished with five points, seven rebounds and an assist. Rex Dopp recorded three points, five rebounds and two assists, while Pez Davila added three points.
The game's lone official championship belonged to Andrew Koski, who claimed the dunk contest title and drew some of the loudest reactions of the evening from fans.
Beyond the final score, one of the night's most memorable moments came during halftime when six young fans successfully made shots to win King of Cream gift cards, creating memories that likely will last far longer than any box score.
Homere said the event's greatest success was seeing the community embrace it.
"Thank you to all the amazing sponsors," he said. "Also thank you to the six kids who were able to make shots during halftime to win King of Cream gift cards. And to the fans: Thank you for showing up and being great supporters of the event. You guys are truly appreciated."
For Homere, whose influence on basketball in Duluth extends far beyond his role as boys basketball coach at Denfeld High School, the evening represented something larger than a summer exhibition. It was a reminder that basketball remains one of the city's most powerful community connectors, capable of bringing together people from different neighborhoods, backgrounds and generations for a common purpose.
As the crowd filtered out and another successful Juneteenth celebration came to a close, Homere was already looking ahead.
"See you all next year," he said.
Judging by the turnout, the enthusiastic support and the spirit that filled the gym throughout the evening, Duluth will be ready.
