Hoops Galore

In Fun-filled Street Fair Fundraiser

By: Piedmont Post

Long famous for its majestic palm trees running from Wildwood to the base of Witter Field, Palm Drive soon will be known for its basketball mania.

On Sunday, May 20, the street will be closed from Wallace to Park View for a daylong Hoops Fest, with basketball games for all ages and genders. The Palm Drive Classic 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament is the brainchild of resident Chris Lavdiotis, for seven years the high school JV coach.

Only days after getting the green light from city hall and the support from all his neighbors and issuing a flyer announcing the event, Lavdiotis was hired as the high school's new head coach of the boys program.

"I guess that makes this little idea all the more fun," he chuckled. "It's a fund-raiser for high school basketball program, so nothing has changed."

Just the title.

The tournament format is simple: double-elimination, with at least five age divisions: 50 and over (hooray); 30 and over; high school age to 29; middle school; and grade school kids. And, it's going to be a whole lot of fun.

Mixed teams are welcome, with no restrictions on the number of people from a single household, as long as it's three. Team brackets will be prepared two days before the tournament.

The tournament is open to all Piedmont residents. The entry fee is $30 per team. Lavdiotis plans to have six basketball hoops in operation throughout the day so that games can be played continuously.

Barbecued food will be sold, along with soft drinks for the weary.

All proceeds benefit Piedmont High School boys basketball program. Get an entry form by calling Lavdiotis at 655-2624, or by e-mail to cpl@llcllp.com.