BlueClaws, Ocean County YMCA to team up for 3-on-3 tourney

The Lakewood BlueClaws and Ocean County YMCA are teaming up to offer basketball fans of all ages the chance to compete in the area’s first-ever Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

The event will be held at FirstEnergy Park April 24 and 25. Presenting sponsors will be: the Asbury Park Press, 105.7 the Hawk, Clayton Block, Larson Ford and The Main Court.

"We’re excited about holding an event like this," said Geoff Brown, BlueClaws general manager. "It should be a great family event, and it’s also going to be of great benefit to the YMCA."

As part of the partnership, the Ocean County YMCA will receive proceeds from each entry. In addition, a portion of the proceeds also will benefit the Grand Slam We Care Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Lakewood BlueClaws and their sister company, the Trenton Thunder.

"We’re thrilled to partner with the BlueClaws," said Rodger Koerber, YMCA executive director. "This is a great benefit, and it will help those families in the area that can’t afford activities at the Y for their children."

Every team is guaranteed at least three games at FirstEnergy Park, where the parking lot will be turned into nearly 20 three-on-three courts. The Gus Macker Basketball Tournament is a double-elimination event with a consolation bracket, and is organized into male and female divisions in junior, adult and top categories. The age, height and experience of all four players for each three-on-three team are considered.

To register, fans can call the Lakewood BlueClaws at (732) 901-7000, or the Ocean County YMCA at (732) 341-9622.

The Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament started in 1974 in Lowell, Mich., originally including 18 friends competing for $18, and has since grown to a national event.

Each year the Macker Tournament is held in 75 cities, and more than 200,000 players compete.