Thousands attend national 3-on-3 basketball tournament in Hermitage

HERMITAGE, Pa. (WKBN) — A nationally touring three-on-three basketball tournament has made its way back to the Hermitage area.

In time for the organization’s 50th-anniversary celebration, hundreds came out to the Gus Macker Tournament on Sunday.

Starting in 1974, the tournament eventually turned into a national organization with tournaments across the country. Right on the Pennsylvania side of the Shenango Valley, the Gus Macker Tournament was held every year.

“It used to be here in the ’90s. It left in the late ’90, and this is the first year we brought it back. So, it’s the 50th anniversary for the organization, but it’s kind of a return of the Mack for us. So, it’s been extra exciting,” said Markee Juranovich, a member of the tournament committee.

For the organization’s 50th year, the tournament was revived in Buhl Park, with 107 teams signed up and over 420 players. The youngest was 6 years old, and 16 brackets were going.

For many, this was the first time hearing about the Gus Macker Tournament, and while it was different, it was still fun.

“We’re playing other teams, and some of the girls we were playing with were older than us,” said attendee Dyna Wilson.

“We were also playing outside,” said attendee Lyna Wilson.

For others, it was nostalgic to play in the three-on-three tournament again. Erin Frankonovich’s father organized the event in the ’90s and was honored at the opening ceremony. Years later, she played with some familiar faces again.

“The minute that we heard it was going to happen, I played with three of my teammates — Maureen, Laura and Katie — from high school, and we heard it was coming, and we were just like — we have to play,” Frankovich said.

Juranovich says it’s a break-even event, and they plan on having it annually. Based on numbers this weekend, she imagines it will grow in the future.

“Here all weekend, we probably had 2,500 to 3,000 people here this weekend. I think we’ll double in size,” Juranovich said.

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