3 on 3 Features the Hottest Hoops in Highland Park

With a theme of “3 on 3 For What Tomorrow Can Be” Highland Park High School hosted this biennial competition on September 14, 2003. More than 200 young players participated in the day-long event that raised $35,000 for The Rory David Deutsch Foundation. Over 500 adults and family members came to cheer for their favorite players.

Tourney Director, Alan Samsky, was certainly pleased with the event’s record-breaking results, he stressed that “…the purpose of the event was not strictly to raise money. It was to create awareness and bring kids together to participate in activities that raise money for a good cause.”

In the 3 on 3 contest, teams of boys and girls from fourth to ninth grade played their peers. Each team was guaranteed a minimum of three games. Based on their performance, teams advanced to the finals.

Both boys and girls participated in the other activities that were designed to boost both the fun and the fundraising. In the 3-point shoot-out, shooters had 45 seconds to sink baskets from three designated spots on the 3-point arc. Each basket was worth one point and the “money ball” from each rack was worth two points. Shooters with the top two scores in each division competed on the center court to determine a winner. In the Free Throw Contest, shooters tried to make as many consecutive free throws as possible. The finalist in each division also competed for the championship.

Samsky acknowledged that an event of this scope “could not happen without the generous support of our sponsors.” The 2003 competition sponsors included Campus Colors, JAB Produce, Kick 10 Promotions, Olga’s Skin Care, Jack Keller and Company, CD City, and the Lake Forest Children’s Theater Company.

Volunteers were also critical to the day’s success. “We have over 40 unsung heroes who made it their business to make this event happen. They worked registration and concessions; they were referees, scorekeepers, time clock operators; they managed the special events and stayed to clean up.” Special mention was made of Associate Director, Marc Miller. “Through his work and commitment, we were able to be well organized.” Samsky also acknowledged Verne Reich for his help in organizing the competition brackets, and Highland Park High School Principal, Jack Lorenz, for making the school available.

“The kids were encouraged to play competitively, but play fair,” Samsky said. “They were there to win, but more importantly, they were there to enjoy the day. Getting them involved was as important as the money they raised.”