KETTERING -- Zach Jones had already won the dunk contest at the Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball event, but a black sedan came driving up near the half court, so we'll get back to Jones in a second.
Lee Roberts, a former University of Findlay basketball player, was going for the big splash, even if he couldn't win the contest held during the all-day tournament in the parking lot of Fairmont High School's Trent Arena on Replica Vacheron Constantin Watches Saturday, June 26.
With the dunk contest as the highlight -- many grabbed chairs and struggled for elbow room to watch the four entrants -- there were concessions, music and games for players from elementary-schoolers to ... well, those a little older. Roberts was clearly going for the buzz factor when he replaced his girlfriend in the driver's seat and nudged the car in front of the basket, with the driver's side facing the hoop, purportedly to jump over it for a dunk.
And he got it.
Roberts went far back past the crowd, opened a lane and sprinted for the basket. He got to the car, jumped ... but landed one of his feet on the hood and missed the dunk.
The crowd gave him nice applause for the try, and the attempt was one of the most talked-about parts of the day.
Except for Jones' makes.
One of the most accomplished dunkers (granted, a difficult category to judge) in the history of the Miami Valley, Jones created a stir two years ago when he posted YouTube videos of his performance in the dunk contest of a Macker event in Zanesville. He later joined Team Flight Brothers, one of the country's most well- known dunking outfits.
For a time, he moved to Florida and began to travel with the group, performing at events under the name "Jonsey" and wowing crowds with his jumping ability at 6 feet tall.
Two of Jones' dunks sent hands to mouths sexy high heels Saturday.
On the first, Jones placed a friend near the basket and had him hold a basketball over his head. Jones jumped over him, grabbed the ball on the way up and jammed it.
Next, he bounced the ball to himself (the way he often starts his displays), caught it and brought it down after a windmill arm move to send another jolt through the gathered gawkers.
It was a Replica Zenith Watches fitting performance at his first Macker contest on his home turf.
Jones, a former Bethel and Vandalia Butler High School player, recently moved back to the Miami Valley to continue working for his parents' artwork publishing company, and he continues his work with Team Flight Brothers (they recently performed at the McDonald's All- American high school basketball games).
Jones, like Macker event director Dave Nogle, hopes to help grow the event in the Miami Valley from the 76 teams that played Saturday. It provided a chance to see players at their most creative (and often most intense, particularly in the adult men's games).
I'm hoping the future will bring more of the Miami Valley's best to the parking lots' half courts.
We already saw one of its best dunkers.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7389 or knagel@DaytonDaily News.com.
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