NEGAUNEE - Negaunee Invitational basketball tournament is accepting entries for the women's division slated for the weekend of March 30 through April 1 at Lakeview Memorial Gymnasium. Entry fee is $100 and must be turned in along with the roster before Friday, March 9.
The women's division made its return last year after a 15-year absence. NIT President John Basolo said former Michigan Tech University standout guard and current assistant coach Sarah Stream pushed to get the division back.
"It was all Sarah Stream that got this going and we have to give her our credit," Basolo said. "She guaranteed six teams but was able to round up eight.
"Hopefully, we'll get some more this year."
Stream, a former Westwood High School star, said she remembers watching the tournament growing up but was never old enough to participate. After her college career ended, she wanted to give others the chance to play.
"There's a lot (of tournaments) for girls who are playing high school or AAU but as far as people who are done with their playing careers there's not a lot available, so it's nice to have it around and it's fun," Stream said.
Last year, the women's division had participants from multiple Division II colleges and a player from the University of Michigan. The tournament hopes to boost two divisions this year, in accordance to talent levels.
All entries are guaranteed to get at least two games. If a team loses its first game they will play in a consolation bracket. Trophies are awarded to the championship team and for the division's MVP.
"We'll probably put the teams with the most experience in the top brackets and the ones that have the least experience, or haven't played in awhile, in the lower bracket," Basolo said.
Online entries are available at www.negauneeinvitational.com.
For more information, contact Basolo at 906-458-6419 or at jbasolo@negauneeinvitational.com.
"It's really important," Stream said. "I think it draws some fans with having good players and I think the fans will be very excited about coming to watch these players and a lot of them are local and a lot of them are from the U.P."