Starting Squads for Henry Viscardi-Elmont Basketball Game at Martins 3-on-3 Tourney Classic Announced!

The starting squads for the special Elmont Spartans-Henry Viscardi Cougars Wheelchair Basketball game rematch were announced today in the run-up to the Martins Classic 3on3 Tournament. The announcement was made during a special meeting of tournament organizers, volunteers and community members this past Saturday at the First Church of God in Elmont.  Over 200 volunteers filled the church for the meeting and announcement made by Tournament organizers, Senator Jack Martins and State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos.

The annual basketball game is a crowd favorite at the Martins Classic 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament held at the Dutch Broadway School in Elmont.  This year’s tournament is scheduled for July14^th where along with the Viscardi-Elmont game there will be basketball games, 7on7 football, soccer games, lacrosse, slam dunk contest, 3 point shoot out and events.

The game series started last year where the two teams matched up for an exciting round of wheelchair basketball where the Spartans and Cougars battled it out for the 3on3 Trophy.  The game opening “jump ball” was done by New York Knick legend John Starks.

“Without a doubt, the Viscardi-Elmont game is one of the highlights of the 3on3 tournament. It’s an incredible exhibition that electrifies the crowd and makes this day very special,” said Senator Jack Martins.

“This year’s game is going to be very exciting. The Spartans are ready and we are really honored to be playing in the rematch game with the Henry Viscardi School,” said Spartan team Captain Kyle Johnson.

This year, the Elmont Spartans squad will be made up of boys and girls from all athletic teams in the school. They will be led by Senior team captains Kyle Johnson and Goldie Harrison.  Rounding out the Spartan team are: Michael Dugue, Reginald Pierre, Ben Odugbesan, Michael Braun, Bria Fisher, Sahadia Cadet, Jeffrey Cadet, Kyla Ridley, Beatrice Pierre and Elijah Ross.

The Henry Viscardi School team is being coached by Joe Slaninka and team members are:  Jayson Torres, Jared Connolly, Alexa Williams, Chris Scharrer, Matt Zelen, Chris Allen, Mya Forbes, Peyton Tansey, Chris Alvarez, Kristian Rosado, Angel Acosta, Emma Greenfield, Mariah Sepulveda, Rachel Gross, Mary Rom, Ron Kort, Malkeet Singh-Gill and Brian Faithfull.

Joe Slaninka, Coach of the Viscardi Coungars noted, “We are looking forward to another great 3on3 tournament in Elmont.  Last year’s game was a lot of fun and our squad can't wait to defend our title against the Elmont Spartans."

“The wheelchair basketball game rematch with the Elmont Spartans and Viscardi Cougars is the talk of the town.  I really look forward to the opening the tip off and cheering on the teams with Senator Jack Martins,” said State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos.

“I’m really proud of this tournament and all they do to make this community day so special for our young people. The wheelchair basketball game has become such an important part of this day and I can’t wait for the tournament,” said Councilman Ed Ambrosino.

To get your tournament forms, simply go to nysenate.gov, click Senator Jack Martins’ link, then clink the Martins Classic 3on3 link. All information, forms and q&a can be found on the site. You can also call Senator Martins office at 746-5924.

Photo Caption:  Senator Jack Martins, State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and the 3on3 Tournament Committee Announce the Elmont-Viscardi School Wheelchair Basketball Game starting squads this past weekend. Over 240 people attended the committee meeting announcement. The 3on3 tournament is tipping off July 14th at the Dutch Broadway School!