Elmont Basketball Tournament Set For Saturday

Final preparations for the annual 3-on-3 Basketball tournament being held at Elmont’s Dutch Broadway School on Saturday, July 16th have kicked into high gear. The site of the tourney is Dutch Broadway School which is located at 1880 Dutch Broadway, Elmont. The raindate for the tournament is Sunday, July 17th. Tournament organizers are very excited over community support and the response of teams entering into the contests. The tournament is played in memory of David Dangerfield a fallen NYC firefighter whose work within the community in sports and education was widely respected.

This past week, the 3-on-3 Tournament Committee held its final get together at the “First Church of God” in Elmont to go over details and put the final touches on the biggest event outside the Belmont stakes in the greater Elmont community. Over 170 volunteers and committee members gathered and heard from committee chairs who gave reports on the preparations. State Senator Jack Martins also attended the gathering and thanked all who have put together the effort. “This event could never happen without your commitment and hard work. Thank you for all you have done, and everything you will do at the tournament,” Martins said to the packed crowd.

The tournament will be hosting basketball, football, soccer and other assorted events throughout the day. The New York Knicks, NY Yankees, NY Mets, NY Jets and NY/NJ Red Bulls are involved with the tournament this year and have provided outstanding prizes to winners.

The check-in for the tournament begins at 10:00 am. Tournament teams are encouraged to arrive early to lock-in their team spots for the grade level divisions. Teams who still need forms can email dutchtourney@gmail.com for an email version of the form. Teams can also come the day of the tournament and fill out their entry blanks at Dutch Broadway School.

“We’ve never seen a response like this in the 8 years we’ve been doing the 3-on-3,” said Tournament Chairman Scott Cushing. “The day is entirely free and there is no charge to play in the games and participate in any event. Lunch is free as well as beverages throughout the day. This is the biggest Summer Event outside the Belmont Stakes and we couldn’t be more proud of the effort!”

The tournament’s events are also the talk of the town as the Slam-Dunk Competition and 3 Point shoot out are being run NBA style. The Slam Dunk competition begins at 2pm and will be followed by a 3 point shot contest. Sign-Ups for both contests will take place the day of the tournament. Slam Dunk Chairman Timothy Jean noted, “this year’s contest has some incredible prizes. We have the new Blackberry Smartphone and basketball hoops to give away!” Franklin Thomas, Chairman of the 3-point contest added, “the shoot-out prizes range from autographed basketballs to a hoop as well.”

The special Elmont Memorial Varsity Boys Basketball game versus the Henry Viscardi School will take place at 11am. The Elmont and Viscardi School stars are looking forward to a great game. Elmont Spartan Captain Rocky Chambers said, “this game is going down in Elmont history. Its going to be educational for all of us and a lot of fun. It’s a great honor to be on the same court as the Viscardi team.”

A new addition to the Tournament is the 7-on-7 football games. Football Chairman Donald Pierre-Louis noted, “the football 7-on-7 is developing into one of the most exciting elements of the tournament. Teams are forming up and we are encouraging all football teams to check-in at 4:30 and be ready to hit the fields. The stakes are high in these contests.”

A soccer clinic is also a big highlight at the tournament thanks to the partnership with the Elmont Soccer Club. Soccer College Chair and NCAA UVA Championship player and former Elmont Memorial graduate Ahkeel Rodney will be joined by College Soccer stars: Darian Bryant, Jules Riche, Ajani Jones and Aaron Dennis in a fun-filled afternoon of soccer games and clinics for children and young adults. “The soccer quad is a lot of fun to play in,” said Rodney who noted, “for me, this day is a celebration of fun and doing something that I really love-soccer. The Elmont Soccer club and the 3-on-3 Committee really outdid themselves this year.”

Marvin Lee, head referee for the tournament, encouraged all basketball teams to check-in early and get their spots for the games. In addition, Lee announced that young people who do not have a team to play with will have a “draft table” where eligible players looking for a team will be able to sign up and be put on a team. “Everybody plays during the 3-on-3 tournament. Nobody gets turned away. If you don’t have a team don’t worry, we’ll help you put a team together with eligible players in your division,” Lee said.

Food, drinks and give-aways will be provided all day long. There is no charge for food, drinks or any event during the 3-on-3 tournament. Tournament organizers also announced that the 2011 3-on-3 Tournament shirt design was developed by Fabrice Georges. “This year’s shirt brings in all the elements of the day and is truly a sensational design,” said Senator Martins adding, “each year the designs get better and better!”

For more information on the tournament, feel free to email Dutchtourney@gmail.com or call Senator Martins office at 746-5924.