Springfield, Mass. -- Marines with Recruiting Station Springfield attend the 2015 Spaulding Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Massachusetts, Jan. 15.
The United States Marine Corps began attending the event on Nov. 12, 2014, as a way to give back to the community The Marine Corps takes every opportunity to celebrate student’s excellence in physical fitness, and commitment.
“Getting out within the community andattending our local teams is our main concern today,” said Sgt. Brandon Croniser, a recruiter with Recruiting Station Springfield.
The opening game to the Hoophall Classic was Pittsfield High School competing against Cathedral High School. Pittsfield and Cathedral are only two of the 52 teams competing in this year’s Hoophall Classic.
“The mental toughness that the Marines carry is something we hope translates to our boys out here,” said Steve Ray, head coach of the winning team Pittsfield High School. “We feel respect when we look over and see the Marines are here; to know they’re there makes us proud.”
Along with the victory of the game, Pittsfield High School announced their Most Valuable Player Anthony Jones who scored 93 points this season alone. Marines in attendance presented theMVP award to Anthony Jones, cheered on teams, and administered a pull-up challenge.
“I think the Marine Corps and basketball are similar because you have to be strong mentally and physically to reach your goals and having that team mentality is very important,” said Jones.
The 52-team tournament will run through Jan. 19 and will conclude with a championship game.