In the annals of sports history in Liberia, one would be hard-pressed to find a father and son on the same basketball team, and yet it happened recently in the LBA Division II basketball league at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex gymnasium in Paynesville. On Sunday, May 4, 2025, during the feverish Bushrod Island derby against Bushrod Dreams and Bushrod Ballers.

A Game to Remember and More

When Bushrod Dreams took to the court with Deacon Wallace, Seongbar Sr. and his 18-year-old son Wallace T. Seongbar Jr. putting on their sneakers on the same team, they didn’t necessarily seek to win the game, but the Deacon Seongbars were playing for something more. And they didn’t disappoint. Although the game concluded with Bushrod Dreams overcoming Bushrod Ballers 63-53, all players, referees, and fans spoke about the Seongbars, who made history as the first known father-son combination to play together in an official LBA game.

Fanfare broke out as the players exited the court. This was more than a moment of a game; this was history in the making.

The Accomplishment of a Lifetime Dream for Both

According to Wallace Sr., his lifetime dream came true at that moment. It wasn’t a personal achievement of victory, but an emotional victory on tears of basketball since Day One. “I’m excited to see myself now playing with my son, and this growth in the league is an amazing step,” he exclaimed.

They’re connected beyond the game. “We’re always in each other’s ears on the court; I try to make him a respectful, hard-working young student-athlete. We’ve had many conversations about our game away from the court, win or lose,” remarked Wallace Sr.

For Wallace Jr., playing with Dad was a joyful experience, not one of pressure. “People always ask me how I could have my father on my team,” he said with a smile. “I have no pressure. I actually love being on the bus with my Dad after games and practice.”

The Significance for Liberian Basketball

Abraham Samuka, President of the Liberia Basketball Association, acknowledged the Seongbars for their history-making achievement. “This is a great testament to how basketball brings families together. I would love to see more of this father-son, mother-daughter combination in the league,” he said.

These are the storylines that make basketball in Liberia personal. In a sport dominated by wins and losses, games, and standings, the Seongbars highlight the reality that basketball is also about mentorship, friendship, and family bonding. 

Bushrod Dreams Gets the Spotlight

The other Liberia Division II team, Bushrod Dreams, sought to make its place in the standings. By defeating the Bushrod Ballers, they earn more than just a competitive edge; they earn their place in history.

Yet they are not the only ones to play family sports together, this is not as prevalent across the board in basketball.

• In football, George Weah (Liberia) and son Timothy Weah played together for national and international clubs.
• In baseball, Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. played for the Seattle Mariners in 1990.
• In racing, the Schumachers, Michael and Mick Schumacher, played in Formula 1.

But in Liberia,and specifically in LBA history,Wallace Sr. and Jr. are number one.

Youth Development and Mentorship in the LBA

The Liberia Basketball Association has been attempting to add youth components over the past few years through new training opportunities, grassroots efforts, and mentorship. Thus, Wallace Jr. was vital to this pipeline.

Not just the coach of the team but his father mentored Wallace Jr. as well. This is a example of what mentorship means; it’s not just about training an unknown figuratively and literally, but by someone you know. The LBA has successfully implemented quality products into youth endeavors and expected future leadership projects.

The Role of Community in Sporting Growth

Paynesville and the surrounding areas have been a breeding ground for basketball talent. The community has hosted games and trained in various gyms, ranging from small local facilities to the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, as well as regional leagues and training programs with strong fan support.

Even the Bushrod Island derby indicates how community teams and community-involved passion function. The fact that Seongbar’s story got the community’s attention shows that fans care about more than just dunks and impressive jumps.

Where Will the Seongbars Go From Here?

Father and son have their sights set on the season. With Wallace, Sr. on the brink of retirement, his veteran presence is a much-needed equalizer on the court for Bushrod Dreams. Wallace, Jr. is just getting started.
With intentions to go pro and potentially be called up to the national team, Jr. is certainly one to watch down the line. Few have this kind of exposure to a game at such a young age, let alone with a father on all notes, teamwork, sportsmanship, pressure, it’s all learned together between father and son.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Game

The story of the Seongbar family is more than just winning a basketball championship. It’s a mutual goal, a family success, and a reinvention of what sports can be in Liberia. They teach us that all good things in life, and on the court, are better when done together