Shoe City Classic a must-see event

LYNN – Over its 22-year history, the Shoe City Classic has become a late summer’s must-see event in the city for which it was named.View photo galleryOn Friday evening at Marian Gardens, the curtains opened on the ever popular, three-day event that tournament director, Simmie Anderson, believes will set the bar for years to come.”We’ve tried expanding our reach in recent years and it has paid off in a big way,” said Anderson who took over for Fred Hogan last August.This year’s field features three divisions (over-20 men’s, 20-and-under and 15-and-under) consisting of 21 teams including newcomers from Swampscott and cities closer to Boston such as Brockton.Anderson spoke on the efforts to expand the Classic’s reaches.”Everybody in the North Shore’s basketball circle knows one another which is obviously beneficial too us,” explained Anderson who pointed out that in its first year, the tournament consisted of just four men’s teams.”We’ve always used flyers in the local newspapers to our advantage but the popularity of social media sites (i.e. Facebook and Twitter) has allowed us to make contact with potential teams from as far out as Providence.”One of the finer elements of the competition’s make-up is that ballplayers from different sides of a city can join forces.”This tournament allows for guys from different neighborhoods, like East and West Lynn, to become teammates,” said Anderson.”After taking over, I chose ‘Shoe City’ as the new name in an attempt to create more of a city-wide feel.”The event was previously known as the Hoganz Basketball Classic in honor of its backbone, who will have a new seat to the show this weekend.”This year is a pretty big deal for Freddy,” explained Anderson of his long-time friend and mentor. “Instead of running around all day long, he’ll be on the sidelines, coaching his son, Freddy Jr.”The younger Hogan will be joined by a familiar group of recent all-stars in the Lynn School District including Phillip Rogers, Johnny Hilaire, Danny Lukanda, Anthony Silfa and Calvin Johnson Jr.”There’s always a new crop of talent joining the mix in addition to the big names we have in the men’s division,” said Anderson. “These kids are up-and-coming talents who might be the next big names.”They will still have to wait their turn of course, as the same main attractions will make their way back to Marian Gardens once again.The men’s division will feature plenty of star-power in the forms of city legends Alvin Abreau, Anthony and Antonio Anderson, Corey Bingham, Dorian and Troy Brown and Tony Gallo.With fingers crossed, Anderson expressed his hopes that a cast of local National Basketball Association talents would make an appearance.”I’ve been in contact with the likes of Shabazz Napier, Michael-Carter Williams, Nerlens Noel and Noah Vonleh,” he said.Some of these guys have come out in the past few years to show support so we’re hoping to see them again. I know they are preparing for their seasons but I’m certain that if they are available to come, they’ll be here.”Opening Night began with a dominant effort from Curwin Circle (Lynn) who put on an offensive show en route to an 84-21 victory over Swampscott in 15-and-under action.John Nash (18 points) and Alonzo Linton (16) led the way for the victors who also got double-digit performances from Marcel Lelly and Durrell Rucker (12) as well as Jack Rodriguez (10).Swampscott got four points apiece from Mike Capone, Dylan Hayes and Troy Levine.”Most people are just getting out of work but we still have a good crowd here,” Anderson said, scanning the grounds around Marian gardens. “It will be tough to walk around here on Saturday and Sunday.”Sponsors for the tournament are Ward 6 city councilor Peter Capano, Ram Electric, Hope Trucking and Mayor Judith Kennedy.