LYNN — The horn has sounded for Lynn Park and Rec basketball.
But that doesn’t mean that we’re all done with the sport.
Hardly.
Beginning Friday at Marian Gardens, we’ll see the 25th addition of the Shoe City Classic, which will run through Sunday.
The tournament has gone through several incarnations. Established in 1992, it was formerly the Hoganz Basketball Classic until 2012, when former organizer Fred Hogan stepped down and handed the reins over to Simmie Anderson.
What started out as a 4-team tournament for bragging rights among Lynn neighborhoods has become a 32-team extravaganza with middle school, high school, college-age, and men’s categories.
“Simmie’s taken over it, and done a tremendous job with it,” said Hogan, formerly the girls basketball coach at Lynn English. Anderson played in the first-ever tournament, and began helping Hogan run it in 2007.
“It’s grown so much,” he said. “Today, you have Lynn natives in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta … and they all call and ask when this is so they can plan their trips home to see their families around it. “It’s like a big festival,” said Anderson. “It’s not just basketball. There’s a lot of stuff going on. There’s a cookout, there’s music, a playground … everything.”
Some of Lynn’s biggest stars from recent past will be among the 250-plus players who will be on hand next weekend. They include Anthony and Antonio Anderson, Dwight Brewington, Alvin Abreau, Tony Gallo, Corey Bingham, Jasper Grassa, Jarell Byrd, Keandre Stanton and Kyle Doucette.
“All of these guys are still playing at a high level,” said Anderson. The games begin at 5 p.m. Friday and at 10 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
In the event of rain, the tournament will be moved indoors to the Herb Brenner Gym at Fecteau-Leary.
The tournament will be enhanced by lights that have been donated by G&J Towing in Lynn.
“They’ve been amazing,” Hogan said. “Whatever we’ve asked for, we’ve gotten. They donate four sets and doesn’t ask for anything.”
There will also be bleachers brought in, thanks to DPW Director Lisa Nerich, Hogan said, as a large crowd is expected. “But,” says Anderson, “people show up early, with their chairs, claiming their spots.” The tournament also employs board-certified referees under the direction of Flynn Manalaysay.
Hogan also acknowledged sponsors Peter Capano, Ward 6 councilor; Rob Merryman of Ram Electrical and Consulting; and John Ford, Lynn School Committee.
