HERMANSVILLE – The 82nd annual Gold Medal Independent Basketball Tournament will be held March19-29 at the Meyer Township Community Club.

Tournament directors are Bob, Bryan and Beau Maule.

There will be men’s, women’s, and junior high divisions once again in this year’s tournament. Classes A,B,C,D,E,EE for men, and potentially an A and B Division for the women if there’s enough interest. For junior high, there will be both a boys and girls division.

A stipulation for this year’s tournament, which is being brought back into the fold from years ago, is roster restrictions applying to the men’s lower divisions.

“With 82 years of competition, a lot changes over time. Managers, players, sponsors, and fans. One constant for 82 years is the gym,” said tournament director Bryan Maule. “The atmosphere when you climb the steps entering the building is as if one can still feel the presence of those no longer with us. Raymond Bray standing in the officials room doorway with his iconic pose. George Maule burning a cigar in the same room with towering trophies all around him.

“The gym remains a constant, thanks to consistent investment by the community and a building manager in Andrew Fazer that is dedicated to its upkeep.”

Remembrance of former constants and iconic players, like Bob Ronallo of Wausaukee casually scoring 35 points in one quarter of play, on his way to a 66- point performance in a Class A game at age 42. Fran McCarthy and Terry Johnson of Norway with their towering afros.

Tom Granquist of Powers draining 42 points in a late morning Class C game, followed up the very next game with Bryan “Chung” LaChapelle of the McNeil Oilers canning 44 points in his late 40s, are things to recollect.

“This year’s tournament we are focusing on recruiting new and old talent. Tighter roster restrictions to the lower divisions along with a revamped junior high division will help to get youth involved in the tourney and at the same time provide more competitive lower divisions to not only retain but add more teams,” said Maule.

Deadline to register is Saturday at midnight Central time. For more information, or to enter a team, contact Bryan Maule at 906-295-0153.