U.P. B-Ball Tournament back for 50th year

The Negaunee Invitational Basketball Tournament is celebrating its 50th year of competition.

The tournament began in 1965. John Basolo has been in the tournament director since 1979. The NIT has raised money for local school districts and charities for half a century, thanks in part to the people who flock to Negaunee each and every year.

“You know you’re doing something right when some teams have been playing here for over 30 years,” said Basolo. “We have people that come from different areas just to watch a couple of games or play on a team.”

With the tournament celebrating its 50th year of existence, Basolo has something special planned for the final weekend of play.

“We’re trying to pick an All-NIT All-Tournament Team,” said Basolo. “We sent out mailers to various people throughout the community and people that have frequented our gym and that have played in it to get to get special input.”

Basolo will reveal the All-NIT All–Tournament Team on the night of the three point shootout and slam dunk competitions, on Saturday, Apr. 26.