Warden’s Spring Classic, in collaboration with the Howard University Undergraduate Student Assembly, hosted its third annual basketball tournament as part of the 2026 Springfest celebration.
The tournament took place on April 16 and featured seven student teams consisting of six players each, competing for a $1,000 cash prize: Team YKW, Team Chrome Hearts, Team Chip, Team 3 Hunnid, Team Paid, Team Showtime Avengers and Team Beta Avengers.
Team Chrome Hearts – Cyrus Walker, Mason Wright, Elijah Johnson, Kem Kpako and Marley Loften – secured the championship victory as team captain Walker knocked down a game-winning fadeaway jumper in a one-possession contest.
For the first two rounds of the tournament, games were played with a 15-minute running clock. Each team was allowed a one-minute timeout, and each basket was worth one or two points.
The championship game followed a different format, with the first team to reach 30 points winning. In this round, each team had two one-minute timeouts, and scoring was counted by the traditional twos and threes format.
The teams featured players from various backgrounds including longtime friends, Howard student-athletes and fraternity brothers.
Johnson said that he met his team playing basketball at Banneker Recreation Center. After winning last year, he wanted to rebuild his team and compete again.
“I would not want to go to any other school to be honest,” Johnson, a senior electrical engineering major, said. “I love being a Howard student for homecoming, and especially for Springfest. These moments, I’m going to cherish forever.”
The tournament drew hundreds of Howard students as well as vendors showcasing their clothing brands and other businesses. The atmosphere welcomed community engagement and student entrepreneurship.
After the opening round, the semifinal matchups were set: Team YKW faced Team Chrome Hearts, while Team Paid took on Team Beta Avengers.
Team Chrome Hearts won their matchup confidently to send them to the championship round.
In the game between Team Paid and Team Beta Avengers, both teams traded baskets early, but Team Paid was able to get back-to-back buckets down the stretch to secure the win.
In the championship game, Team Paid – led by Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year Cedric Taylor III – battled Team Chrome Hearts in a tightly contested matchup.
Team Chrome Hearts trailed for most of the game before a late comeback gave them a two-possession lead within reach of game point.
After Walker scored the game-winning shot, spectators stormed the court in celebration. He also received a new pair of Nike Air Force 1s for earning MVP of the game.
Sophomore business management major Dylan Roundtree, who competed for Team Chip, shared his thoughts on the event and the lively atmosphere.
“I love seeing Black people outside. We’re all smiling, we’re all happy and there’s no violence going on. I think [the turnout] is great,” Roundtree said.
Freshman Charlotte Bynoe reflected on her first Springest experience.
“I just enjoy the community aspect and everybody altogether, just enjoying the sunshine and the community,” said Bynoe, a nursing major.
This tournament embodied the spirit of Springfest, bringing students together and showcasing the unity and culture that define the Howard University experience.
Copy edited by Daryl R. Thomas Jr.
