ATLANTIC CITY – The Atlantic City High School Vikings defeated the Pleasantville High School Greyhounds 63–43 on Sunday, February 2, 2025, in the Battle By the Bay high school basketball invitational classic.
“Who would have thought it would still be going on for 30 years?” said organizer Wilbur Banks. “I need to thank Atlantic City and Pleasantville because they have come together to make this event what it is. And we are grateful.”
Battle By the Bay was started in the mid-1990s as a showcase to help prepare the boys' basketball team to compete in packed gyms in front of big crowds as they advanced in conference competitions. But it wasn’t just about watching some of the top schools from around the region clash.
Atlantic City Beats Pleasantville in Battle By the Bay But Both Schools Win Through Scholarships.
(Battle by the Bay 2024. Photo Credit: Jason Smart-El (JSmart Sports Media)
ATLANTIC CITY — The Atlantic City High School Vikings beat their rivals, the Pleasantville High School Greyhounds 81-58, on Sunday, February 4, 2024, in the closing session of the Battle by the Bay high school basketball invitational classic.
Battle by the Bay was started in the mid 1990s as a showcase to help prepare the boys basketball team to compete in packed gyms in front of big crowds as they advanced in conference competitions. But it wasn’t just about seeing some of the top schools from around the region clash. The goal was to raise money for scholarships to help students pursue higher education. All the games are well attended. But the flagship match up happens on Sunday as the finale when rivals Atlantic City and Pleasantville meet in a grudge match.
Family and friends honor ‘Atlantic City icon' Sonny Lea
Press of Atlantic City: October 26, 2018
Twenty-five years ago, Lea helped found high school boys basketball showcase Battle by the Bay, said former Atlantic City Recreation Director Wilbur Banks. Lea dedicated much of his time to selling tickets for the games, Banks said. Since its inception, the program has raised more than $150,000 in scholarships for Atlantic City students, he said. “Scholarship, youth and basketball,” Banks said. “Sonny, the work you have done is speaking for you.” Click Here for full article