Dawg Days 3-on-3 tournament grows
PHOTOS FROM DAWG DAYS BASKETBALL dawgdaysbasketball.com
For the 18th year, Dawg Days 3-on-3 summer basketball tournament returns July 16. The action begins at 9 a.m. at Village Green Park in Dalton. For more information and to register, visit dawgdaysbasketball.com.
DALTON It’s a reunion of sorts. It’s one of the largest growing events in Dalton. It promotes fun and fitness, friendly competition and improving skills. It’s a chance to see some really good basketball – right here at Village Green Park in Dalton.
Dawgs Days 3-on-3 summer hoops tournament returns for the 18th year. The all-day tournament kicks off with games beginning at 9 a.m. July 16.
“The tournament has drawn people from all over the state over the years,” said tournament founder and director Morgan Wenger, who also is director of a summer league that just finished for the season.
It’s a fun time – and some of these ballers are really competitive. And really talented.
It’s not uncommon to catch semi-pro players and professional athletes at a Dawg Days tournament. And, who knows, some of these youth players may be on their way to the top.
Wenger never knows exactly who will show up every year. People register right up to the deadline and some of the men’s league players arrive that day. What he does know is the tournament has grown to draw hundreds of people throughout the day – maybe even up to a couple thousand including players, family members and spectators. Attendees can enjoy a food trailer and a DJ will spin some tunes. A professional photographer captures the action.
Entries for all divisions are still being accepted. Youth divisions must register by noon Friday, July 14 to be included on the schedule. Top Dawg division teams can register at the park the day of the tournament.
Wenger said he’s hoping to see more female players enter the tournament. He said fifth and sixth-grade players are signing up and he would like to see more high school players participate.
According to the website at dawgdaysbasketball.com, which contains photos, information, writeups from previous events, registration information and more, there are 10 divisions for age groups from third-grade up to adult: Puppy, Junior, Junior Girls, Biddy Ball, 8th grade, junior high girls, Young Bucks, high school, high school girls, and Top Dawg. Cost is $100 to enter all the divisions except the Top Dawg price is $150. Winners receive medals and the Top Dawg team has a chance at a $2,000 cash prize.
Puppy to Junior High Girls division teams begin at 9 a.m. July 16; Young Bucks and High School and High School Girls teams begin at 11 a.m. and the Top Dawg games begin at 2 p.m. July 16 (teams must be registered by 1 p.m. and draw will take place at 1:30 p.m.) Updates to the schedule will be made first at dawgdaysbasketball.com. Also, Dawg Days Basketball can be followed on Twitter @basketball_dawg.
Local legends and professionals and other well-known players have taken part in Dawg Days tournaments.
