Jason “Juice” Sowell

The Hoop Legend from Coney Island who tragically lost his life at age 16 [A Quick Thread]

#REPRESENT

Jason “Juice” Sowell was a 16 year old basketball prodigy from Coney Island (Surfside Projects). Playing for the legendary Lincoln HS Railsplitters; Juice was actually a more touted prospect than Stephon Marbury who also hailed from Coney Island.

(Angel x Ronald x Juice)

Juice was known as an above average student & a role model in his hood. College/NBA scouts across the nation were watching his every move & Greatness was on the horizon but on Sunday evening in August 11, 1995; it all came to an unfortunate end

Juice was childhood friends with a young man named Joseph. Joseph (18) had been in & out of trouble his whole life but Juice always remained a good friend. Eventhough Joseph was in the streets, it’s believed he would never put Juice in any danger

On the evening of Aug 11th, 1995; Joseph & Juice walked down to Gravesend Houses, another housing projects in Coney Island. During this time there was heavy tension in the streets being the 90s era & recent events taking place in the hood. However Juice & his family were known

Once entering the courtyard with Juice; Joseph was approached by 2 men & a woman. An argument occurred & Joseph being a known hothead pulled out his gun, a struggle ensued & Juice was mistakenly shot in the thigh & the eye. He passed away 5 hrs later

Joseph was arrested & charged with criminal possession of a weapon but Juice’s mother stated that she didn’t believe Joseph would ever shoot her son, even by accident

There’s conflicting stories as to what actually happened but nothing changed the fact that a young Black Man destined for success lost his life. To commemorate Juice’s memory, Stephon Marbury along with family members began the annual “Juice Day” which takes place every Summer

The environment that the enemy designed is made for us to fail & that’s why it hurts when you lose good ones to the madness. Always watch the company that you keep. Those that carry the light will always shine through. Long live Jason “Juice” Sowell #11

#REPRESENT