Last year, I had a concept for a feature-length documentary and actually started creating it. It is the true story of the Roosevelt Boys Basketball Team and their tradition of success. Alas, because of COVID-19, I did not get to complete it, but filmed enough to create a short film. It is my storyboard, or rough draft, but I would like to share my idea for the complete film.
The story of the tradition of the Roosevelt Boys Basketball Team is a story like no other. I discovered this story last year and became very interested in developing it. Inspired by The Last Dance, I want to tell the story of the past through the story of the present. The documentary would follow the Roosevelt Middle Boys’ Basketball team as they enter their 6th undefeated season. Would they keep the tradition alive? What are the inherent pressures that these young boys feel? How does the coach keep them competitive yet humble? This would be uncovered through the in depth behind the scene of their 3 month long season.
In the midst of this present day footage, I would then showcase the story of the 1968 Roosevelt high school team, who was also undefeated. The audience is introduced to the character who will be narrating the story of the past, Roosevelts’ defensive specialist, James L. Smith. Smith will dive into the trials his team had to overcome in not only keeping a perfect record but also being the first all black school to win the integrated state championships.
Coming back to the present day, the parallels between the two programs start to become undeniable as Roosevelt Middle is a predominantly black school in a predominantly black neighborhood. How have conditions for the education of the young black community changes? How have they stayed the same? This will be uncovered through the more personable scenes of the boys on the team. There will be three, maybe four, of the players whose lives not only on the court, but in the classroom and at home will be shown in order to give the audience a more complete picture of them. Roosevelt has a history of producing some of the most successful athletes out of Palm Beach County, from Scottie Barnes to Jacoby Brissett. Brissett is the quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts and continually volunteers in giving back to the Palm Beach County community. I will incorporate him into the film, and how Roosevelt provided them with the foundation for a successful career. Which one of these current middle school boys will be the next Jacoby Brissett?
Our 1986 narrator of the past, James L. Smith, comes back to share his personal story as well. Smith had a full ride basketball scholarship to Lafayette. However, when he came home after his freshman season, he got into some trouble. Smith was shot in the wrist, ending his basketball career. With his only passion in life stripped away from him, Smith found himself on a downward spiral. This one action started him on a path of drugs, crime, and prison. After spending time in jail, Smith was sent to a rehabilitation center where he sobered up and regained control of his life. Now, Smith is an adviser and mentor to young men in jail looking to do the same. The lessons Smith learned through the game of basketball assisted him in his ability to reboundback. Both Brisett and Smith came from the same schools but went down two completely separate paths in life. What does true success for a black man really look like? What path will each of these young men take to get there?
Finishing up in the present day, success to these 12 year old boys in the moment is continuing this legacy and winning the championship. The final game is played against, most likely, their biggest rival school Don Estridge. The game is always packed with passionate fans and loud cheerleaders. The livelihood of the gym only adds to the chaotic environment of this competitive game. Do they earn their 7-peat win? Or are circumstances different this year?
That is what I love about documentary film: the script is never set in stone, the characters are people, and the consequences are real. While this is an outline to the concept of the Roosevelt Tradition, there is no guarantee how circumstances will turn out. This year is a perfect example, a pandemic was so unpredictable and not included in anyone's plans, yet now a part of the story. The story of the tenacious attitude of the Roosevelt Boys Basketball team is a story that would inspire not only young black basketball players, but the entire community. The film would help document the Roosevelt legacy for generations to remember.