It’s Lynn’s version of March Madness

LYNN – Despite the NCAA Tournament still a week away, the Lynn Elementary Basketball Tournament is already in full swing at Pickering Middle School.
The tourney. in its 38th year, provides an opportunity for the city to connect through the game of basketball.
?The whole community is involved with this tournament,” said league director Sean Morris. “And it?s so great to see kids watch their brothers and sisters play, then years later they have the opportunity to play. We even have parents who once played in this tournament now cheering on their kids. It?s just awesome.”
There are 17 elementary schools involved in the tourney with brackets for both the boys and girls. Morris makes sure all 34 teams have a chance to compete.
?This a big stage for these kids,” said Morris, who is also a third grade teacher at Lynn Woods Elementary School. “It?s just a great feeling for these kids to play here in front of their parents and teachers, and it?s a great sense of pride for the city.”
Teams have practiced all season to prepare for the tourney.
?Our kids are very excited for the opportunity to play,” said Ryan Sheehan, the first year Cobbet Elementary coach. His Cougars tip off against Harrington at 10 a.m. on Saturday in the boys? bracket.
?We?ve had a really fun season, but we?re really looking forward to this tourney,” said Sheehan, who is an elementary physical education teacher in Lynn. “The stage gets bigger as you get into this tournament, but our kids are excited to showcase their talents and show what they?ve been working on all year in front of a big crowd.”
A full slate of games opened the festivities on Wednesday. Regardless of the final scores, the chance to compete is meaningful for every player.
?We don?t ever keep score when we play during the season,” said Ingalls Elementary girls? coach Britney Falite. “So it?s never been about scoring points, and the girls don?t care about who is playing. It?s all about the team.”
Ingalls advanced with a hard-fought victory over Harrington on Wednesday, displaying a strong level of teamwork.
?We work hard and play together,” said Ingalls fifth grader Anadia Whelton. “And we cheer each other on, so we were never nervous during the game.”
Champions will be crowned on Sunday, March 21, followed by an all-star game on March 28.
?Everyone wins in this tournament,” said Morris. “Every kid walks away with a trophy or a medal, and it?s a really big deal to these kids.”Justin Barrasso can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.