Be Awesome to host 3-on-3 teen basketball tournament

The Be Awesome youth coalition will host a 3-on-3 teen basketball tournament from 2-6 p.m. Wednesday at the Copper Sky Gymnasium.  

The event was designed by teens, for teens, to encourage youth to connect with the community during the summer months.  

Up to 16, four-person co-ed teams will compete for cash prizes, including a $400 grand prize, donated by InMaricopa, Exceptional Community Health, Raymond Law, Native Grill & Wings and Vice Mayor Rich Vitiello. Players must be between the ages of 13-18. 

Teens can also work in various positions during the event – including as a referee – for pay.  

“It gets them out of their comfort zone,” Priscilla Behnke, Be Awesome’s founder and executive director said. “And it gives them something to do.”  

Sawyer Coatney has been a community impact intern with Be Awesome since August 2022 when he started out as a summer camp counselor.  

Now, he is responsible for marketing, recruiting referees and receiving donations for the hoops event.  

“I’ve dabbled in every aspect of it,” he said. “This is my first time; it’s definitely a learning process.”  

To participate in the basketball tournament, register your team at  https://beawesomeyouth.life/basketball-registration.