November 20 – 22, 2015
For the second year, HC Elite of Howard County held a Fall Ball Basketball Tournament in memory of Ricky Knight who passed away in 2008 at the age of 12. Ricky Knight was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Multiforme brain tumor at the age of 11 in 2007. He fought courageously for 13 months, enduring 3 brain surgeries, 6 weeks of daily radiation and multiple chemo treatments at Johns Hopkins Hospital under the care of Dr. Ken Cohen.
In addition to his family and his faith, Ricky’s morale was sustained throughout this battle by his passion for sports. During his treatment, Ricky played baseball, football and participated in a week long basketball camp (run by his Uncle, Bill Napolitano – Founder of HC Elite). When he was too sick to play, Ricky spent hours watching his favorite teams – The Nationals, The Redskins and The Wizards – compete. In his desire to return to a normal childhood, Ricky often spoke of how he longed to once again be part of the team and in a “game situation.”
Ricky’s greatest wish was that no other child would have to suffer from a brain tumor. His family and friends are trying to fulfill that wish by providing funding directly to the researchers who are working to find a cure. During his treatment, Ricky played baseball, football and participated in a week long basketball camp (run by his Uncle, Bill Napolitano – Founder of HC Elite). Ricky’s greatest wish was that no other child would have to suffer from a brain tumor. We are trying to fulfill that wish by providing funding directly to the researchers who are working to find a cure.
During his treatment, Ricky played baseball, football and participated in a week long basketball camp (run by his Uncle, Bill Napolitano – Founder of HC Elite). Ricky’s greatest wish was that no other child would have to suffer from a brain tumor. We are trying to fulfill that wish by providing funding directly to the researchers who are working to find a cure.ained through this battle by his passion for sports. During his treatment, Ricky played baseball, football and participated in a week long basketball camp (run by his Uncle, Bill Napolitano – Founder of HC Elite). Ricky’s greatest wish was that no other child would have to suffer from a brain tumor. We are trying to fulfill that wish by providing funding directly to the researchers who are working to find a cure. The tournament involved almost 50 teams of players from 4th grade to 8th grade competing over the weekend to determine a champion at each grade level. Ricky’s Uncle, Bill Napolitano founded HC Elite to develop youth basketball players into high school level players and promote basketball in the Howard County area. Many volunteers, including Ricky’s family and former team mates, turned out to work at the tournament.
Moved by Ricky’s story, many attendees made contributions to CBTF. Referee, David Alfred, generously donated both money and a selection from his NFL Jersey collection to be sold to raise more money. Tournament concessions were provided by In10nse BBQ, who also generously donated a portion of their proceeds from the weekend. Over $4,700 was raised in total. Ricky’s parents believe the tournament is perfect way to honor Ricky’s memory. First, because it brought together the people Ricky loved most – his family and friends – working together to support both CBTF and youth sports. Second, Ricky was true competitor who loved being part of a team. Finally, Ricky wanted more than anything to know that no other child would have to endure what he did and that no other family would have to suffer this loss. Raising awareness and helping to fund those searching for a cure for pediatric brain cancer is the best tribute to Ricky’s courageous and loving spirit. The Tournament Champions were:
- 4th grade Champion: WHC Force
• 5th grade Champion: Savage
• 6th grade Champion: WHC Force Black
• 7th grade Green Champion: DMV Stags
• 7th grade Champion Blue/White: Monocacy
• 8th grade Green Champion, Pikesville
• 8th grade White Champion: Mt View
See the personal story, ‘Remembering Ricky‘