By: Thomas Warren

It’s about that time; the weather is getting warmer and the blacktop is ready for play. The 10^th annual Barnyard Classic is coming up June 24, 2017. The Barnyard started as a small community tournament, originally featuring all local teams participating as a fundraiser to help our girls’ basketball team with funds. However, the tournament expanded, and teams now come from as far as three hours away to compete for a first place trophy. The tournament is limited to only 100 teams in the tournament, and is always a great tournament. The Barnyard has recently expanded, so now the EHS boy’s basketball team has joined in the fundraiser to get more help.

On a greater scale, the nationwide tournament Gus Macker is coming back to Jamestown. The Macker used to be in Jamestown, but was moved to Warren due to not agreeing on financial splits. However, now the Macker has made a comeback and moved back to Jamestown due to lack of participation in Warren. The Gus Macker started in 1987 and has expanded throughout the years. According to Macker.com, the nationwide tournament has raised approximately $15,000,000 for worldwide and local charities.

The Squire caught up with a couple of ballers who participate in these tournaments every year to get their outlook on the two tournaments.  First, we sat down with Lady Knight basketball player, junior, Savannah McKown.

The Squire: What is your favorite thing about 3on3 tournaments?
Savannah McKown: Playing new competition for 3on3’s and not knowing everyone we play, and sometimes I even make friends playing in these.
TS: Which tournament do you prefer: the Barnyard or Gus Macker, and why?
SM: I prefer the Gus Macker because it is more organized due to it being a nationwide tournament.
TS: How did you get into 3on3’s and how long have you been playing?
SM: I first started playing when Payton asked me to play when we were about 13. I’ve been playing for about four to five years.

The Squire also met with star basketball player and captain of the basketball team, Jack Reynolds, to get a division one athlete’s point of view on the tournaments.

The Squire: What is your favorite thing about 3on3 tournaments?
Jack Reynolds: I enjoy playing with my friends, playing against other people, and the bracket format of the tournaments.
TS: Which tournament do you prefer: the Barnyard or Gus Macker, and why?
JR: I prefer the Gus Macker because there are more teams and people travel from far away to compete, which makes it harder to win the tournament.
TS: How did you get into 3on3’s and how long have you been playing?
JR: My friend needed one more player for a team, so I offered to play. I enjoyed it, so I continued to play. I’ve been playing for about six years.

So, if you haven’t already, gather  a team of you and three of your friends to go have some fun and possibly even win a trophy at these local tournaments. If you enjoy your experience, you can travel a little farther and try out the different tournaments with more competition. Check out the Barnyard (www.barnyardclassic.com) and Macker (www.macker.com) tournament websites for registration details. Good luck!