This past Saturday morning at 10 a.m. tipped-off the second annual three-on-three basketball tournament held by the Joshua House under the direction of Jim Kilmartin. The day consisted of a three-point competition along with fun and competitive basketball action that lasted well into the afternoon. Games were played to 32 points unless a twenty-minute time frame elapsed, giving victory to the team ahead at the end of the regulatory time.
The tournament entered over 20 teams divided into four divisions. A sixth-seventh grade, eighth-ninth grade, tenth-twelfth and an open division, consisting of area and local talent such as Eric Castorina (IUP standout), Luke Rhoades, Dave Rizzo and many others.
Players traveled from all over to compete in the tournament, coming from Altoona, Juniata Valley, Williamsburg, State College, New York, and alumni from Grove City College, along with locals from Tyrone. But the tournament wasn’t possible without the help of the willing hands from the Tyrone community.
Sponsors for the event included: Edward S. Newlin-Attorney at Law, Joybeans Coffee Shop, Warner’s Radio and TV, The Beauty Salon, Warriors Mark Auto World, DelGrosso Foods, Ray Burial Vault Company, Eden Hill Enterprises, Sears Funeral Home, MI Hallmark Shop, The Bullpen and Adam M. Kruczay, D.P.M.
Kilmartin gave thanks to the contributors that made the event possible. “We’ve had tremendous help from the community, helping us with drinks and ice, to donating the use of the basketball hoops from people around town.” he said. “The sponsors helped tremendously with finances and so on, which in turn made the tournament a great success.”
Winners of the three-on-three basketball tournament included Team Updyke of Tyrone in the sixth-seventh grade division. Team members included Derick Cruz, Travis Peterman, John Harris and Kyle Updyke. Juniata Valley won in the eighth-ninth grade division. Team members were John Boyd, Justin Borst, Nathan Burkey and Tore Glenny. The Blue Devils of Bellwood won in the tenth-twelfth grade division. Team members were Ryan Myers, Rickie Shannon, Steve Crider, Jake Mattern and Nate Carlson. Team Rizzo of Tyrone won in the open division. Team members were Eric Castorina, Dave Rizzo, Chris Woomer and Doug Roseberry.
A three-point competition was held for the players to exhibit their skills from outside. John Harris of Tyrone made eight out of nine three pointers to win the combined sixth-seventh-eighth and ninth grade division. Nate Glenny of Juniata Valley took home top prize in the open division three point contest by draining nine out of ten shots to edge out Tyrone’s Mark Mitchell in the finals.
Kilmartin was pleased with the outcome of the second year of the event and already has plans for the future of the tournament.
“I want it to get big enough to where we can perhaps block off a whole street and play like they do in the big cities,” he said. “It may not be next year, but hopefully in two years or so.”
The Joshua House and Kilmartin thanked everyone who competed, volunteered and helped sponsor the event. It’s great to have events like this one take place in the Tyrone community for youths and adults of all ages.
