Clayton Thomas dribbles between teammates Andy Burns, rear, and Adam Cline, front, during the Valleyball 3-on-3 basketball tournament on July 27, 2024, at RPA Park in Spring Valley.
Ryan Watts drives in a shot while playing for team Two and Out as the annual Valleyball basketball tournament takes place on Friday, July 26, 2024, at RPA Park in Spring Valley.
Clayton Thomas dribbles between teammates Andy Burns, rear, and Adam Cline, front, during the Valleyball 3-on-3 basketball tournament on July 27, 2024, at RPA Park in Spring Valley.
Ryan Watts drives in a shot while playing for team Two and Out as the annual Valleyball basketball tournament takes place on Friday, July 26, 2024, at RPA Park in Spring Valley.
The Tri-StateÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s version of the Midsummer Classic is set for this weekend in Spring Valley.
Borrowing that phrase from Major League BaseballÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s All-Star game, Valleyball takes place at RPA Park, where three-man basketball teams will meet on the outdoor courts for bragging rights in the double-elimination tournament.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œWeÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ve been busy,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ tournament director Joe Suttles said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œWe have more than 20 teams.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
Among those squads is Team Burns, which has dominated the event in recent seasons and is the defending champion. Andy Burns captains that team. Another returning team is led by former Spring Valley High School and University of Charleston star C.J. Meredith.
Suttles said the old heads might be favored, but arenÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™t shoo-ins to win it all.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œWe have a youth movement coming in, which is good,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Suttles said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œWe have a lot of high school kids and recent graduates signed up. A lot of kids throughout the Tri-State. It will be fun to watch them. TheyÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™re excited to play against their brothers, dads, uncles and cousins.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
Suttles said heÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s eager to see how the newcomers with stamina and youthful enthusiasm fare against the physical, experienced veterans.
The event, which began in 1985, is competitive but also a community gathering featuring off-court activities for children. Families and friends generally fill the stands to cheer on their favorites.
Suttles said the Huntington Park and Recreation District has been extraordinary in helping make the tournament a success.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œ(HPRD executive director) Kathy McKenna has been constantly in contact to see what we need,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Suttles said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œTheyÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ve kept the lawn mowed, brought in bleachers and made it fun for the kids.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
If rain moves in, Suttles said the courts will be covered with tarps if no more than brief showers cause delays. If extended wet weather sets in, indoor options are available. In past seasons, Valleyball played at the Chesapeake Community Center and Vinson Middle School when rain lingered.
