The inaugural Damian Mele Memorial Basketball Tournament will take place at Lehighton High School on Saturday, March 26 beginning at 8 a.m.

An article that appeared in Friday’s Times News said this would be the second annual and would be held on March 22.

The event honors the life of Mele, who passed away in 2019. He was a 2017 graduate of Lehighton, where he played on the basketball, baseball and track and field teams. He formed many great and long-lasting friendships on these and other youth teams, and throughout his life. He attended Bloomsburg University and had plans to pursue a career in real estate.

The tournament is for players of all abilities. Each participating team must wear shirts of similar color or design. There are no gender requirements for play. Teams will be comprised of three players, who will be guaranteed two games in a double elimination format.

There are two divisions:

• Casual - a slower paced game for those who just like to have fun playing basketball.

• Competitive - for those who have basketball experience and are seriously trying to win.

Both divisions are open to players of all ages

A basket raffle, home cooked foods, and T-shirts will be available for all who attend. All proceeds from the tournament go directly to the Damian C. Mele Scholarship Fund to benefit Lehighton High School seniors who are pursuing a post-secondary education or career certification. Gifts to the fund can be made by submitting a check payable to the Damian C. Mele Scholarship Fund. Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, 840c West Hamilton Street, Suite 310, Allentown, PA, 18101.

Registration fees and additional information can be found on the tournament website at dcxmtournament.com.