Corning hosts basketball players for tournament

CORNING, N.Y. ( WETM ) — The Gus Macker Basketball Tournament drew many spectators to watch basketball players compete in Corning. The tournament has been hosting games across the country for 50 years, and it was the first time it was held in Corning.

The games took place in the parking lot at Corning Credit Union. Some of the players in the tournament felt the experience was well-received with plenty of basketball to play in.

One of the players Sydnei Davis who traveled from Rochester said, “It was a fun experience, everyone had good sportsmanship, even though we lost. It was a nice experience to come here and play.”

Another player Gideon Stewart who played in his fourth Gus Macker Basketball Tournament added, “A lot of stuff to do, you can meet new people.”

Attendees felt the tournament had a positive impact on the community; they added that good sportsmanship was on display among the teams who competed against each other.

One of the coaches Johnnie Mathis who traveled from Rochester with his team said, “I think it’s absolutely amazing, especially for the town of Corning. It brings a lot of people come here to get to shop, the businesses around the neighborhood get affected by that and the kids actually get to come out and play.”

An attendee Sydney Radka added, “We love the Gus Macker every year, it’s exciting to watch our boys grow and watch all the amazing teams and we’re hoping that Corning is the new place that we can come and do that.”

Next year’s Gus Macker Basketball Tournament is scheduled for July in Downtown Elmira.

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