Building a Legacy With Eric Marfil: The Soul of The Valley League

By: Devan Wade | Sportzwire | July 30, 2025 | Photo courtesy Team Photo

Eric Marfil, a New Jersey native, discovered basketball’s magic in 8th grade, a passion that carried him from the courts of an AAU team to Lehigh Community College. Growing up in a rough environment, Eric found purpose in social work, dedicating his life to uplifting those around him, especially kids. “My life is about paying back and giving what I can to those who need it,” he says. This drive led him to found The Valley League, an adult basketball league in Allentown, PA, designed to give young people a safe space to escape the streets, be themselves, and find purpose through the game they love.

The Valley League, a nonprofit, consists of 10 teams, each with 10 players, a general manager, and a coach responsible for their squad. What started at the East Side Youth Center, where Eric received “unbelievable support” to launch his vision, now thrives at Trexler Middle School. The league hosts five games weekly, drawing crowds for a $10 entry fee to witness high-energy basketball that’s gone viral on ESPN. Big names like Hansel Enmanuel, Tyrese Martin, and Alize Johnson have graced the court, while college coaches and scouts flock to games, scouting talent like Joe Grula, who earned a Division 1 scholarship to Mercyhurst College last year.

Eric’s mission extends beyond the scoreboard. He sees basketball as a way of building a family-like community. “Giving back to the kids and families is the best part of this,” he shares. The league offers scholarships and volunteer roles that make kids feel valued, while Eric provides job opportunities for local homeless individuals to help with setup and other tasks. He’s driven by a refusal to let anyone down, ensuring even those who feel they have nothing are uplifted. A standout moment from Week 2 on July 13th captured the league’s spirit: lobs, posters, and insane buzzer-beater shots brought NBA-level excitement. Local businesses joined the fun, selling home-cooked food, homemade lemonade, art, and clothing, while the slogan “Shoot Basketballs Not People” underscored the league’s commitment to bettering youth and the community.

Despite its success, running The Valley League isn’t easy. Eric’s biggest obstacle is “getting gyms and funding. I’m paying for majority of this myself, but it’s not about the money.” As the sole marketer, he struggles to promote and expand the league, though he dreams of adding more teams. Still, the community’s response keeps him going. “There is an overwhelming connection and vibe during the event,” he notes, emphasizing that even newcomers feel welcomed as part of the family.

Eric’s closing message invites all to join: “We are a nonprofit league. Doors open at 11:30, and everyone is welcome, especially the media. Come out, join the family, and have a great time!” With media like Visionary 2 and SG Films spotlighting the league, Eric Marfil’s Valley League is more than basketball—it’s a movement that unites, inspires, and transforms lives, one game at a time.

JULY 13TH MATCHUPS - VIEW FROM THE BLEACHERS

A Day of Grit and Glory at The Valley League Pro-Am

Weekend of July 13th, I headed to Trexler Middle School in Allentown, PA, to catch five games of The Valley League, a pro-am basketball league started by Eric Marfil. It’s a place where players 18 and up pour everything into the game, hoping to catch the eye of college coaches or pro scouts. The gym was alive with passion, hustle, and a tight-knit community vibe. Here’s what it was like to soak in the energy and watch these games unfold.

The Scene: Dreams in the Air

Walking into the gym, you could feel the stakes. The bleachers were packed with friends, family, and a few folks who looked like they might be scouting talent. For $10 at the door, you got a front-row seat to a scene buzzing with hope. The crowd’s cheers mixed with the thump of the ball and the squeak of sneakers, creating a soundtrack that screamed basketball. Volunteers ran the show smoothly, from keeping time to flipping burgers at the concession stand, while coaches hollered plays with a mix of fire and heart.

The players? They were locked in, warming up with a purpose, scanning the stands for anyone who might hold their future. Every drill, every shot carried weight, this wasn’t just a game; it was a shot at something bigger. The Valley League’s mantra, “Shoot Basketballs Not People,” was more than a slogan; it was the glue holding this community together.

Game 1: Setting the Tone with Fire

The first game kicked things off with a bang. Two teams of young guys, hungry for their first win of the season, came out swinging. A quick guard stole the show, breaking ankles with crossovers and slicing to the hoop for smooth layups. The other team fired back with deep jumpers that had the crowd roaring. One dude threw down a dunk in transition that shook the rim and sent fans jumping out of their seats. It was back-and-forth, but one team pulled ahead late with a suffocating press. The vibe was pure energy, like everyone knew they were watching something special.

Game 2: A Battle in the Trenches

The second game was a grind. Both teams, stacked with athletic wings, turned the court into a defensive warzone. A big man in the paint swatted a layup so hard it nearly cleared the bleachers, and the crowd ate it up. Players were diving for loose balls, scrapping for rebounds, and fighting for every inch. It stayed tight, with the momentum swinging until a late steal and fast-break bucket tipped the scales. The air felt heavy with tension, every block and hustle play a reminder of what these guys are chasing.

Game 3: Buckets and Showtime

By the third game, the gym was rocking like a concert. Both teams came out shooting, raining threes like they were auditioning for the NBA. A slick guard was on fire, hitting long-range shots with a release so smoothly it felt choreographed. Then came a highlight for the ages: a lanky wing caught a lob and slammed it home one-handed, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The teams traded blows until a last-second stand locked up the win. The vibe was electric, every big play felt like it could end up on a highlight reel.

Game 4: Heart Over Everything

The fourth game was all about fight. One team fell way behind early, but you wouldn’t know it from their effort. A tough forward kept bullying his way to the rim, shrugging off contact for hard-earned buckets. His squad crashed the boards and clawed their way back, stealing passes and turning defense into offense. The crowd was all in, cheering every hustle play like it was the finals. They got within a bucket, but time ran out. The atmosphere was raw and inspiring—these guys showed the kind of grit that could turn heads at a college tryout.

Game 5: Down to the Wire

The fifth game was the perfect way to close it out. Two teams, evenly matched, went at it like it was the championship. A shifty point guard weaved through traffic, dropping no-look passes and floaters that had the crowd gasping. His rival answered with a silky fadeaway jumper that brought everyone to their feet. It came down to the final seconds, with a mid-range shot at the buzzer sending the gym into a wild uproar. Fans were chanting, players were mobbing the shooter, and the energy was off the charts and snapshots of why this league matters.

The Heart of It All

Those five games at The Valley League were a wild ride of talent and heart. The vibe was a mix of fierce competition and the kind of hope that comes from chasing big dreams. From slick crossovers to dunks that rattled the rim, every play felt like a statement: these players belong on a bigger stage. The crowd, more like a family than a bunch of strangers, amplified it all, cheering like their own futures were on the line. The league’s track record—guys like Joe Grula landing D1 scholarships and plays going viral on ESPN—hung over the gym, pushing everyone to leave it all on the court.

Walking out of Trexler Middle School, the sound of the crowd and the sight of players hanging around, chatting up coaches, stuck with me. The Valley League isn’t just a pro-am league; it’s where dreams get a shot to take flight. I’m already counting down to the next game day to feel that fire again.

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