This year’s Ball4Good Celebrity Basketball Game brought excitement, inspiration, and a shared commitment to giving back to the Spartanburg community. Since its inception in 2017, Ball4Good has been a powerful force of change, granting funds to numerous nonprofit organizations. Past grant recipients include the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind, Sidewalk Hope, Citizen Scholars, and Project Hope Foundation.
Organized by Mya Ferguson and her dedicated team, with invaluable grants training from The Spartanburg County Foundation and mentorship from Marjorie Boafo Appiah (known as Marjy Marj), who has guided Ball4Good since its inception, the 2025 event was a resounding success. The continued contributions of Ball4Good’s advisory members were instrumental in ensuring the event’s success. This year’s game also highlighted several nonprofit honorees, amplifying their pivotal work in the community.
The festivities began with a warm welcome by Dave Skeen, Head of Spartanburg Day School, followed by a prayer and pledge, setting a tone of gratitude and unity. The event featured a youth basketball game between Cleveland and Pine Street, hosted by Kids Upstate, and a dynamic performance of “L.O.V.E.” by Son of Ice, which energized the crowd. Mya Ferguson, Grants Chair, enthusiastically announced the players as cheers from the cheer squad filled the gym.
During the game, honoree highlights showcased the incredible efforts of local nonprofits. The Children’s Advocacy Center and Bloom Upstate took the spotlight in the first quarter for their commitment to supporting children in need. At halftime, the audience was introduced to the Grants Committee and Advisory Board, along with an acknowledgment of former grant recipients, further reinforcing Ball4Good’s legacy of service.
The excitement continued through the game, with end-of-third-quarter honors going to Kids Upstate and the Allen Blash Foundation, organizations dedicated to fostering youth development and uplifting communities. Everyone celebrated the culmination of the game in the fourth quarter with acknowledgements by Mya Ferguson and her team.
The game proved as thrilling as its purpose was meaningful. Red and Blue teams battled it out on the court, with highlights including Payne Wood’s buzzer-beater at halftime. The final score saw Blue victorious at 38-27. Individual players were also recognized for their stellar performances. Payne Wood was named MVP, Ryan Langley took home the Defensive Player Award, and the Coach’s Award was presented to Dave Skeen, Headmaster of Spartanburg Day School. With teams coached by International Pro Matt Brown and Ball4Good Founder Adom Appiah, the camaraderie and determination were unmatched.
Ball4Good’s mission of empowering and supporting the community remains steadfast. By highlighting and funding nonprofits such as those honored this year, the organization continues to inspire hope and foster a sense of unity. The 2025 Celebrity Basketball Game was a testament to how giving back through sports and collaboration can create lasting change in the lives of many.
