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MCAS Cherry Point News

 

Photo Information

Warrant Officer Joseph J. Mends-Cole, a forward with the Cherry Point varsity basketball team, does a layup in a game against the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., varsity basketball team, during the 2010 Holiday Basketball Tournament held at the Cherry Point Marine Dome Dec. 10-12. The tournament brought in approximately 600 athletes and spectators from around the East Coast to compete in three days of basketball and contribute toward a holiday food and toy fund.

Photo by Cpl. Daniel A. Negrete

Basketball tournament combines competitive spirit with spirit of giving

23 Dec 2010 | Cpl. Daniel A. Negrete Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

The 2010 Holiday Basketball Tournament, held at Cherry Point’s Marine Dome Dec. 10-12, brought in approximately 600 athletes and spectators – some traveling from as far as Maryland to participate in a three-day basketball tournament and contribute toward a holiday food and toy fund.

The 10 male and eight female  teams were made up of all varsity players from Army, Air Force and Marine Corps installations, like Cherry Point’s own male varsity basketball team, as well as teams made up of military, non-military, high school and college athletes.

“Some of these players boast semi-professional standing or have the potential to become pro,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Christopher A. Williams, coach of the Big B’s, a locally sponsored team made up of military, civilian and college athletes from the Carolinas. 

One local star of the tournament was John Humphreys, also known as Helicopter, who scored 59 points in the semi final game for the Big B’s.

“This tournament was a great opportunity for them to come out and play some good competitive basketball, while also contributing to a charitable event,” added Williams.

By the tournament’s end, four large boxes were filled with toys and food items, which were donated by individual players and their accompanying fans.

“The toys and food items that we collected during the tournament will all go to local needy families during the holiday season,” said Zachary J. Leingang, Marine Corp Community Services’ Semper Fit varsity coordinator. “Each year, we put on the Holiday Basketball Tournament to give athletes the chance to play some good ball, while also doing something to serve the local community.”

The top teams of the 2010 Holiday Basketball Tournament were awarded trophies after the final match-ups.

The Big B’s won first place for the male category and Fort Lee, Va., took top honors for the female category.

“It feels great to win,” said Williams. “But it feels even better to bring Christmas cheer to those who need it the most.”


Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point