The Windham Youth Basketball Association held its 11th annual Sonic Coed 3-on-3 Tournament at Moody Courts in Windham on Saturday, Aug. 1. It was a beautiful night and a fantastic opportunity for Windham and other communities to get together and play basketball, all while remembering the late Pat Moody.
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| Windham fourth grader Carsyn Dore tries to make a basket during the Sonic 3-on-3 Tournament at the Pat Moody Courts in Windham on Saturday, Aug. 1. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA |
“This tournament develops a sense of community, friendships and resilience,” said Windham resident Marina Longstreth. “Growing this tournament is the future of basketball in our town. The tournament is Pat, he would love to have the kids playing, everybody cheering. At the end of the day there is no winning or losing, it’s getting better at the game, that’s all that mattered for him.”
The money raised will go toward supporting Windham and surrounding communities to help out student athletes in need as well as to fund future college scholarships.
Moody started the tournament in 2013, and it is named in memory of Danny "Sonic" Giguere, Windham Class of 1998, who passed away after a car accident. Giguere was a coach, a teacher, a father of three sons and was very active within the community.
“It’s a great community event,” said Windham resident and Windham High School graduate Connor Janvrin. “It’s such a big basketball community. It’s just nice to see it going so well for the Moody Foundation. It’s fun to play against familiar faces. We’re doing what Pat loved, we’re all having fun ... it’s nice. My favorite thing about the tournament is having fun and playing for a great cause. Of course (I’d come back next year).”
Players from all over Southern Maine come out to play the game Moody loved so much. Members from these communities were lined up along the edges of the courts to support the players. This tournament is about the love of the game and getting to know one another – or reconnecting – through basketball.
“The goal of the Sonic 3-on-3 Tournament is to provide a fun basketball experience with summertime vibes,” said WYBA president Ben Delewski. “It's about including everyone, competing and having fun. The coed aspect of the tourney makes it a really unique experience. The real goal is to get the community together for a fun time…the money raised is just the cherry on top. The Pat Moody Foundation was heavily involved in the tournament the last two years, (now held at) the Moody Courts. Pat is everywhere.”
WHS graduate, Windham resident and Sonic Tournament Co-Director Chloe Delewski, said she comes back every year because the tournament is about the kids who want to come out, play and have fun. Everyone participating loves basketball and that is something Pat loved to do. Pat had a big effect on the community. Chloe Delewski said her favorite part of the tournament is getting to be part of something bigger than herself. She enjoys seeing everyone and will definitely be back next year.
“This is the first time I’ve been here, it’s just a great atmosphere,” said Falmouth senior Connor Gooch. “It’s great for the community. I got a couple friends together, I had never heard of this tournament before ... it was super fun, I had a great time. Bringing the community together, Pat was a great guy who had an impact on other people and stuff like this (is great). My favorite part about playing in this tournament is the people; it’s a lot of fun. I’d come back next year.”
Ben Dewlewski feels extremely lucky to have so many special people and businesses volunteering their time to pull off this event. He wants to acknowledge Jessica Lamb, Peyton McLean, AnnaLynne Goodwin, the entire WYBA Board, The Pat Moody Foundation and tournament sponsors Windham Millwork, Investment Executives and Bob the Screenprinter. He would also like to thank the Sonic Co-Director, Chloe Delewski.
“Pat would have absolutely loved (to)night,” said a Raymond resident and assistant Windham High School varsity boys’ basketball coach Geoff Grigsby. <
Moody started the tournament in 2013, and it is named in memory of Danny "Sonic" Giguere, Windham Class of 1998, who passed away after a car accident. Giguere was a coach, a teacher, a father of three sons and was very active within the community.
“It’s a great community event,” said Windham resident and Windham High School graduate Connor Janvrin. “It’s such a big basketball community. It’s just nice to see it going so well for the Moody Foundation. It’s fun to play against familiar faces. We’re doing what Pat loved, we’re all having fun ... it’s nice. My favorite thing about the tournament is having fun and playing for a great cause. Of course (I’d come back next year).”
Players from all over Southern Maine come out to play the game Moody loved so much. Members from these communities were lined up along the edges of the courts to support the players. This tournament is about the love of the game and getting to know one another – or reconnecting – through basketball.
“The goal of the Sonic 3-on-3 Tournament is to provide a fun basketball experience with summertime vibes,” said WYBA president Ben Delewski. “It's about including everyone, competing and having fun. The coed aspect of the tourney makes it a really unique experience. The real goal is to get the community together for a fun time…the money raised is just the cherry on top. The Pat Moody Foundation was heavily involved in the tournament the last two years, (now held at) the Moody Courts. Pat is everywhere.”
“This is the first time I’ve been here, it’s just a great atmosphere,” said Falmouth senior Connor Gooch. “It’s great for the community. I got a couple friends together, I had never heard of this tournament before ... it was super fun, I had a great time. Bringing the community together, Pat was a great guy who had an impact on other people and stuff like this (is great). My favorite part about playing in this tournament is the people; it’s a lot of fun. I’d come back next year.”
Ben Dewlewski feels extremely lucky to have so many special people and businesses volunteering their time to pull off this event. He wants to acknowledge Jessica Lamb, Peyton McLean, AnnaLynne Goodwin, the entire WYBA Board, The Pat Moody Foundation and tournament sponsors Windham Millwork, Investment Executives and Bob the Screenprinter. He would also like to thank the Sonic Co-Director, Chloe Delewski.
“Pat would have absolutely loved (to)night,” said a Raymond resident and assistant Windham High School varsity boys’ basketball coach Geoff Grigsby. <
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