Roosevelt holds 35th annual Morris Brandon Scholarship Day Basketball Classic

There was a new student at Roosevelt, and the adjustment process wasn’t going so smoothly. His social studies teacher, Morris Brandon, got him involved with the track program, but the student didn’t really know anyone at the school.

“So his first three track meets, guess who’s in the stands cheering for him? Mr. Brandon,” said Don Crummell, then the varsity football coach and now in his 32nd year as the varsity girls basketball coach for the Rough Riders.

Brandon meant so much to so many kids across 21 years working in the Roosevelt district as a teacher, head varsity boys basketball coach, assistant varsity football coach and co-supervisor for the Team Approach Center for students having difficulties, and just as a fatherly figure. He was also the Long Island director for the Empire State Games.

In fact, he was honored for his service to youth by the Lupus Foundation at a charity basketball game in October of 1990.

And then a few hours later, Brandon suffered a fatal heart attack. He was gone at just 42, an immense loss for his family, friends and an entire district that also knew him as Mr. B, or Motor, or just Mo.

But his legacy continues to live on in such a positive way.

Crummell and the late Pat Divers started Morris Brandon Scholarship Inc., to benefit Roosevelt students. It’s a year-round push that includes donations through a GoFundMe page. The now 35-year-old effort also includes an annual signature day at the school, the Morris Brandon Scholarship Day Basketball Classic.

Saturday was that day again at Morris Brandon Gymnasium, this time a tripleheader of games — varsity girls, varsity boys and JV boys — between Roosevelt and Malverne.

“It’s amazing,” Joyce Brandon said of the things that are still happening in her brother’s name. “Morris would’ve probably never wanted this. He was very humble about it.

“But it supports the thing that he was most dedicated to, which was the students at Roosevelt. This was his whole life.”

The proceeds from food sales at the event were going to the fund. The Roosevelt Teachers Association donated $1,500. There was also a donation box outside the gym just down from a display dedicated to Brandon that included certificates in honor of many of the scholarship recipients.

“It does not just pertain to a student-athlete,” said Crummell, the president of the nonprofit’s board of directors. “We’ve had a kid who had some difficulties in the beginning, had a 65 average and was suspended a couple of times, and now he’s graduating with a 75 and he’s going to Nassau Community College.

“So those are the type of kids we’re looking for along with kids who do well academically.”

More than $100,000 has been raised over the years. Last year, there were about 20 scholarships awarded, worth $500 or $1,000.

“It means a lot,” said Malia Rawlins, a junior point guard for Roosevelt. “It helps the seniors get money for scholarships. … It’s very important for us. I do hope a little bit [to receive a Brandon scholarship].”

There was a reason behind Brandon’s road to popularity.

“Because our mother taught us to be giving and be sociable,” said Norma Britt, another of his sisters.

Brandon attended Woodfield Road Elementary School in Lakeview. One of his schoolmates was a face in the crowd at the girls game.

Joanna Commander, the former Elmont girls basketball coach and Lynbrook and Harborfields athletic director, donates to this cause and loves that Brandon’s memory is honored.

“I spent many an afternoon walking home with him, discussing life as elementary [students] and 10-year-olds,” Commander said.

It was appropriate that Malverne was the opposition. Brandon played basketball, football and baseball for the Mules and later served as an assistant varsity boys basketball coach.

When Darrol Lopez, their 26th-year head coach, was young and learning to play basketball, he watched the Malverne Athletic Hall of Famer play and got to know him well.

“He was more than just a coach,” Lopez said. “… He was nice to everybody, always wanted to help everybody. He had a good sense of humor, but he knew how to be tough when he needed to be tough. He was the best.”

Amanda Masson is in her eighth year as Malverne’s girls basketball coach and is a former Mules player. She noted several other athletic personnel ties between her school and Roosevelt.

“We always have been family, always had big respect for each other,” Masson said. “… I’m just glad we’re raising money to give these children scholarships.”

Her girls beat Roosevelt 53-22. Lopez’s boys beat Roosevelt 68-40. Malverne’s JV boys won, too. But this day was bigger than just basketball.

“Morris Brandon did a great job,” said Brian Kuar, Roosevelt’s first-year varsity boys coach. “I think it’s very important to honor what he did for us, the program, the community.”