WORCESTER—The city’s rising basketball stars in eighth and ninth grade got a chance to take center stage in the first-ever King of the Court basketball tournament held at five different venues in June and July.
Twelve teams squared off for the crown over the last month at Worcester East Middle School (outdoor court), Beaver Brook Park, Castle Park, Grant Square and Hadwen Park. The field was mostly Worcester teams but also included squads from Fitchburg, Framingham and Southbridge.
The “Final 4” of the tournament was played at Hadwen Park on July 12 and featured the Worcester teams Playmakers and Team Legacy in addition to MTM Fitchburg and I Believe Academy of Framingham. Playmakers and I Believe Academy advanced to the championship game where Framingham earned a hard-fought five-point victory.
This tournament was unique in that it showcased the next generation of basketball talent in Worcester. An annual event such as the popular Summer Jam Classic typically features the top high school and prep players in the area at Crompton Park. But King of the Court provided a first of its kind platform for junior high and junior varsity level players to shine.
Event founder Dana Chavis, who also coaches basketball at Doherty High School and in the St. Peter’s Youth Basketball League, noted that this tournament gave players the opportunity for some exposure as well as a chance to prepare for high school basketball. King of the Court also gave players a positive outlet during the summer months when school is not in session.
“In the city of Worcester the game of basketball is evolving and growing,” said Chavis, the nephew of Doherty High boys basketball coach Jermaine Chavis. “The main objective is to get the kids to do what they love, so they can work on their craft and be successful.”
The presenting sponsor for the event was Title Town, a successful area men’s league basketball team that Chavis has been a part of as both a player and coach for several years. Chavis worked closely with teammate Jorge Tirado and his wife Angelica Tirado on the details of the sponsorship as well as the overall logistics for the tournament.
Other event sponsors were DM’s Jewels, W.B. Mason, Paul’s Auto Glass, 508 Forever Young, WooGos, Brick & Stone Wood Fired Pizza, Cruz Contracting, Chavis Labor Solutions LLC and Charles Luster, candidate for city council.
Based on the success of the inaugural King of the Court tournament, Chavis hopes to make this event an annual occurrence for Worcester each summer. For Chavis, the priority is always the youth community and having an impact on future generations.
“I’m excited to see these young kids grow on and off the court,” said Chavis.
Mike Vigneux is a freelance writer in Worcester with more than 20 years of experience in the fields of municipal government, communications, and public relations. An avid fan of all sports, Mike enjoys telling the stories of local athletes and their teams. He holds two degrees from Clark University, a bachelor of arts in Communication and a master of science in Professional Communication. He can be reached at Mikevigs@gmail.com
