Kingz of the Kourtz returns for third year at 9th Street Park

The third annual Kingz of the Kourtz basketball tournament is set to take over the Ironton 9th Street Park Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28 for Memorial Day weekend.

The event, which is organized by Ironton resident Antonio Murphy through his company, Y&B Advertising Agency, along with the NECCO Center, is a full five-on-five double elimination basketball tournament for adults 18 and up, as well as children in different age brackets.

Adult teams must have a minimum of five players, but no more than eight per team, with a $300 entry fee. There will be 16 adult teams, and the winning team will win a $3,000 grand prize.

On the children’s side, the boys’ age brackets include 10-11, 12-13, 14-15 and 16-17, while the girls’ age brackets include 12-13, 14-15 and 16-17. Children are free to enter the tournament thanks to numerous sponsors. The winners of each children’s age bracket earn scholarships.

“We want to let the kids know that they’re worth something. It’s the end of the school year, and there’s no better way to go into the summer,” Murphy said. “And the sponsors not only help the kids out, but they’re able to advertise their business or brand as well.”

Murphy added that the tournament is a family-friendly event, and there will be a strict policy against any negative conduct.

Also for the children, Jackie Dufore, with S.A.U Ministries, is providing free inflatables and games in the park next to the basketball courts at 1 p.m. during the tournament both days.

Murphy, along with co-director Marc Carter, began planning the tournament in March, after taking it over from Bruce Royal, owner of Royal Photography, three years ago.

“There were a couple years that it didn’t happen, and I would go by there and think we should bring this back,” Murphy said. “I’m happy to be able to do this for the community.”

Sponsors for the tournament include Maraki Salon, The End Zone, Marco’s Pizza, Phillip’s Funeral Home, Scherer Mountain Insurance, Legacy Avenue Clothing Co., Coal Grove Giovanni’s, Boo’s Donuts, Ironton Municipal Judge candidate Kevin Waldo, Hurley Insurance, Spectrum Care LLC, Empowerment Zone Entertainment, The Blind Store, Tri-State Painting and Drywall, Wishy Washy Laundry, Stewart’s Landscape and Excavating, Brown Landscape Management, Upper Township Trustee candidate Randy Wise and more.

Murphy said currently there are 11 adult teams signed up and about six or seven children’s teams signed up, which are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Anyone interested in signing up for the tournament should contact Murphy at 740-442-4300. He added that he is also still seeking sponsors for the tournament, and anyone who would be interested in sponsorship should contact him as well.