Hoops galore will highlight the weekend in Albert Lea as hundreds of local basketball players compete in the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Tournament at the Northbridge Mall parking lot.

Thursday, June 28, 2001

Hoops galore will highlight the weekend in Albert Lea as hundreds of local basketball players compete in the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Tournament at the Northbridge Mall parking lot.

The two-day event features brackets for all ages, games, special events and expositions plus concessions and room for spectators. Gus Macker staff provide the courts, hoops, music and other entertainment.

&uot;It’s a great event – a lot of local kids involved and a lot of adults, too&uot; said organizer Dennis Dieser. &uot;People have a lot of fun with the basketball, music and games going on.&uot;

The tournament, now in its sixth year, expects more than 260 three-person teams playing on 22 outdoor courts. Gus Macker staff and local volunteers set up and manage the courts.

Dieser said teams that place in the top three in the various age groups are awarded trophies or plaques, and every participant receives a t-shirt. But most of the athletes participate because they love to play.

&uot;A lot of people sign up, but many others come out to watch. There’s a lot of good basketball going on,&uot; he said.

Nine booster clubs give their time over the weekend to park cars, keep score, supply water and keep the site clean of garbage. Dieser said the tournament is a very good example of a team effort. Concessions are also available throughout the event.

The weekend kicks off with a hoop shoot Friday from 4-6 p.m. The tournament starts the next morning at 8 a.m. and continues until dusk. The final rounds of the competition run Sunday from 8 a.m. to about 6 p.m.