The Eilyn Strong Basketball Tournament returns to Waterbury with the hopes of becoming a tradition

WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) – The Eilyn Strong Basketball Tournament returned to Waterbury Saturday morning to celebrate the memory of Eilyn Strong and the sport that she loved.

Teams gathered to face-off at the Waterbury Police Activity League for the tournament and there was no shortage of love for Eilyn on the court.

“She had too much love for the sport. She always wanted to play no matter what, she always had a ball in her hands,” said Andre Arrington, a close friend of Eilyn. “I want to be here for her, her mom and her family and just show love and support.”

Eilyn Strong died after a brief battle with osteosarcoma cancer when she was only 16-years-old. In her memory, family and friends created the basketball tournament to celebrate Eilyn’s favorite sport.

When asked why she continues with the tournament, Eilyn’s mother, Evelyn Ferrer told News 8 that it’s, “…to keep her memory alive and do what she loved to do the most. I find warmth in doing that for her. Not thinking about what she went through but where she could’ve been.”

The tournament is in second year and Ms. Ferrer hopes to make it an annual event that grows bigger every year.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.