On Saturday, April 14th, 2018, twenty teams from throughout Greater Philadelphia filled the Palestra to play in PYB’s 3rd Annual April Madness Tournament. With city-wide bragging rights on the line teams competed hard, but in the end the true winners were the deserving young student-athletes that will greatly benefit from the $21,000 raised throughout the day!
For PYB staff the day began at 7:00am with setup and registration. This year, team enrollment increased by six teams, which required all hands on deck for PYB’s small but might staff to coordinate an event with over 180 players, including former WNBA player, Boston College All-ACC honoree, and PYB board member, Brooke Queenan; Villanova alumni and former basketball players Shane Clark and Curtis Sumpter; and the head men’s basketball coach at Arcadia University, Justin Scott. With gear bags assembled, the DJ plugged in, referees ready to go and volunteers in place, the first games began sharply at 9:00am (or as close as you would expect for a basketball tournament)
From 9:00am – 12:00pm, the eight teams from the men’s recreational division and six women’s teams competed in pool play to determine who would advance to the afternoon championships. All morning the Palestra buzzed with entertained spectators, fierce competition, hard-working referees, engaged volunteers, and eager student-athletes, patiently awaiting their turn to take the court to PYB’s Middle School Partnership All-Star Game!
At noon the time came for those exemplary student-athletes to have their time in the true mecca of Philadelphia basketball,center court at the Palestra! These student-athletes were chosen for their strong leadership on the court and in the classroom, their consistent attendance record, their engagement and excitement about academic lessons, and their basketball skill and effort. Joined by their friends and families, they began the afternoon celebration by receiving a “big, fancy” $20,000 check from Wells Fargo Bank – a core program partner and funder for PYB’s Middle School programs. Olin Chamberlain, PYB Board Member and Vice President of Market Growth/ Development Manager of Diverse Segments at Wells Fargo had the honor of presenting this check, which has already helped greatly advance PYB’s mission.
After the MSPP student- athletes left for the afternoon and the second round of pizzas were delivered (courtesy of our in-kind sponsor, Pete’s Famous Pizza), the competition continued into the evening with the Men’s Competitive Division championship tipping off at 6:30pm. The champion of the Men’s Competitive Division was “Grind 4 Greatness”. Team “St. Chris” (Men’s Recreational Division) and “The Vets” (Women’s Division) also left with the Champion prizes of PYB shorts and hats, in true March Madness fashion!
Finally, we would like to thank all of the teams, sponsors, volunteers, and community members that help make this event a truly incredible success!
Sponsors for the tournament include:
- Presenting Sponsor — Toll Brothers
- Silver Sponsor — The Goldenberg Group
- Platinum Sponsors — Philly Sports Leagues, Cozen O’Connor, and USLI
- In-Kind Sponsors — Pete’s Famous Pizza, Baby Blues BBQ
For more photos from the 2018 April Madness follow the link: http://photos.madoptics.com/gallery/pybaprilmadness/album/4818210