3-on-3 Tournament Committee Organizes for 10th Anniversary Extravaganza!

Over 300 volunteers gathered at the Family Life Worship Center in Elmont to start the planning for the 10^th anniversary of the Martins classic 3-on-3 being held this July 13^th at the Dutch Broadway School in Elmont.  Executive committee members were announced at the meeting and planning has gone into overdrive for the biggest Summer event in the greater Elmont, Franklin Square, South Floral Park, Floral Park and North Valley Stream communities.  Last year, some 6,000 children, young people and adults came to the event which featured 3-on-3 basketball, soccer, football, lacrosse and specialized games. 

This year, tournament organizers are preparing for an even bigger crowd and have added a specialized Soccer Cup game named in memory of Karen Rodgers-Dennis. Her sons, Aaron and Aidan, were named co-chairs of the cup which will feature 7-on-7 soccer games that will run all day. Along with Soccer, 7-on-7 football games will be played in memory of David Dangerfield a 9-11 firefighter and Stephen Wonge.  The Old Skool versus New Skool Lacrosse Classic will enter into its 2^nd series as well. A crowd favorite will also enter into its 3^rd series game with the Henry Viscardi School-Elmont Memorial wheelchair basketball game featuring Elmont athletes taking on the Henry Viscardi School.

Tournament organizers were also named for the Martins Classic. Chairing the event for his 10^th year will be Scott Cushing. Serving as Vice-Chairmembers of the tournament are: Gregory Calvaire, Marvin Lee, Senator Jack Martins, Senator Dean Skelos, Franklin Thomas, George Ingram, Joseph G. Cairo, Jr., Geoffrey Prime, DJ Monumental of 106 and Park, Anthony Maffea, Aaron Dennis, Dyani Dawes, Dillon Williams, Jeffrey Cadet, Goldie Harrison, Darian Bryan, Qusarn Caldwell, Tyrone St. Louis and Mustafa Allanah.

“This is going to be by far the most exciting tournament we have ever had,” said Chairman Scott Cushing adding, “we have over 300 volunteers who are in high school and college as well as adults and seniors who are working very hard to make this day truly special.”

Senator Jack Martins said, “without a doubt, this is ‘the’ summer event. From morning until night, our young people compete, have fun, renew friendships and spend time with their greater community family. I’m really proud of the volunteers and people who make this day so special.”

“The 3-on-3 tournament is one of the most highly anticipated events in Elmont. I’m really excited to be a part of this day and look forward to the opening tip-off,” said Senator Dean Skelos.

South Floral Park Mayor Geoffrey Prime and Trustee George Ingram also addressed volunteers. “This is a true community event. All of you work so hard for our young people and it shows,” said Trustee George Ingram. “I’m real proud to be working with all of you and I know this year’s tournament will be a great success,” said Mayor Prime.

The tournament will feature 3-on-3 basketball games tipping off at 10:30am on Saturday 13^th.  For the 10^th anniversary, Basketball Co-Chairman Dillon Williams holds a special leadership position in the 3-on-3, he played in one of the very first competitions as a 4^th grader 10 years ago. “This is a real honor for me to be a part of this event. This year, we expect a lot of great teams to play. Whether you’re a beginner like I was 10 years ago, or a pro, you will have a great time. Tournament forms will be available very soon and I encourage everyone to start getting their teams together.”

Along with 3-on-3 games, a slam-dunk contest and a 3 point shoot contest will be part of the day. Jeffrey Cadet, 3 point shoot-out chair said, “competition for the contest is intense. Whether you’re in elementary school or high school it’s a lot of fun.”  Nachbi Lacossiere, chair of the slam dunk competition added, “the slam dunk contest is, without a doubt, one of the highlights of the day. Some of the best dunks come from our competitors in the 6^th grade. The high school dunkers use a lot of imagination and make the competition really fun to watch.”

One of the new additions to the tournament is DJ Monumental of 106 and Park television show’s “Monumental Half Court Shot Challenge.” The challenge is a half court shot by participants for special prizes donated by music star and television personality DJ Monumental of 106 and Park. “I’m so honored to be part of the Martins Classic. This year’s tournament is going to be action packed from start to finish. The Monumental Challenge is proud to be a part of the day,” said DJ Monumental.

The 3-on-3 basketball, 7-on-7 soccer cup and football competition is one of the most sizzling parts of the classic with competitors in high school squaring off for bragging rights. Basketball Co-Chair Marvin Lee said, “a lot of work and preparation is going into this year’s tournament. Basketball bragging rights are what’s on the line and whether you’re in 4^th grade or college, it’s going to be a great day for everyone.”

Football Chairman Donald Pierre Louis said, “the football element of the day brings out some of the greatest football stars from Elmont, Carey, Sewanhaka and Floral Park. It’s almost a family reunion that everybody looks forward to.” 

Aaron Dennis, the Chair of the Rodgers-Dennis Soccer Cup added, “the soccer cup classic means a great deal to my family and our community. This contest brings together everyone in a spirit of competition that my mother would of loved to see.”

The Old Skool-New Skool Lacrosse Classic brings together lacrosse stars that are currently in high school in college for a game that settles the score of who is truly the best- old skool players or the new skool competitors. Lacrosse Chairman Mustafa Allanah said, “the lacrosse classic is a great way to show off your skills and play in a game where you are tested and pushed to the limit.”