LIBERTY – Last Saturday, seven basketball teams from across the county came together for the First Annual Sullivan County Basketball Tournament. The tournament director, Sam Sanders, along with a committee and several local organizations, including the Fallsburg Police Department, donated their time and energy to ensure this event was a success. The tournament kicked off at 9 a.m. under overcast skies. Athletes and organizers played on a tight schedule to stay ahead of the rain that was forecasted for the afternoon. The Monticello and Liberty varsity games tip-off was at 9:30 a.m. sharp. 

The tempo was fast from start to finish, with most points scored on both ends coming off fast breaks. Liberty came out strong and gained a slight lead, an advantage that lasted only a short time as Monticello went on a run and kept the intensity high. Games were played with a running clock of two 20-minute halves. Monticello ran away with a 58-32 win in game one to start the day. 

Monticello’s modified team won the best out of three against Liberty 35-20 and 46-24, to end their run undefeated. Annette Foy, one of the volunteers who helped secure donations for the tournament, was thankful to all the organizations and community members who contributed. “We had a lot of donations to get this event started. Fallsburg PD donated 100 hot dogs; we also want to thank Sean Wall-Carty for his donation of hot dog buns.” 

Pizza and Gatorade were also among the food items donated, Foy mentioned. Additional support from friends and community members included District 5 Legislator Cat Scott, Les Kristt, Human Rights Commissioner Ramon Wilson, and Marty Colavito, co-founder of S.A.L.T. Liberty Parks and Recreation generously donated the use of the park for the day and provided every athlete, volunteer, and parent with a t-shirt. Park director James Guara addressed the crowd, expressing his appreciation for the community support that filled the park that day. Although the championship game was rained out, the committee decided to recognize both the varsity teams from Monticello and Liberty with awards, celebrating their hard work and dedication to the tournament. The committee remains optimistic about the upcoming year, with Sanders aiming to establish this event as an annual occasion while also expanding additional programs for the community. “I wanted to do this to help the youth and our communities,” Sanders shared. 

The success of the tournament highlighted the importance of community involvement and support in nurturing youth sports. Organizers are hopeful that next year’s tournament will attract even more teams and participants. Together, they look forward to building on this year’s success, fostering a love for basketball and strengthening community ties.

Additional Community Donors: Headliners Barbershop, Ramos Pizza, Carmine’s, Rolling V, Paula Kay’s office, Shoprite, Gumbo’s, Butcher Boys, and Sheriff Mike Schiff.