Once again, the squeak of sneakers pivoting on the court, the dribble of basketballs, and the shrill sound of whistles filled the air in the Russell Gymnasium at the Boothbay Region YMCA. It was the welcome return of organized youth basketball to the Y, with the inaugural “Annual I.J. Pinkham Classic Basketball Tournament,” held Friday, Feb. 20 through Sunday, Feb. 22. 

The tournament was the brainchild of a group of folks led by Tim Pinkham, youngest son of the late local legendary basketball coach I.J. Pinkham. The weekend featured 19 youth teams,girls and boys, plus one co-ed team, competing in grades 3/4 and 5/6. Collectively, these young athletes logged 30 hours on the court, and more than 600 spectators came through the doors of the YMCA and the Boothbay Region Elementary School gyms over the weekend to cheer them on. 

Top Knot Productions captured professional photos, and the YMCA live-streamed the event on Facebook, allowing supporters near and far to watch the games. Concessions were available from morning through late afternoon, offering a variety of delicious food so spectators didn’thave to miss a minute by leaving the building. Kaitlin James, a parent of three children in the basketball program and one of the tournament’s lead organizers, emphasized how collaborative the effort was. She said, “Concessions are always a great group effort with parents donating lots of different kinds of food.Shannon Leeman, Lisa Hallinan and I took on the job of the big shop and we also got food donations from establishments in town. Shannon did a stellar job making sure that everything ran smoothly and that we had enough food and help for the entire weekend.” 

The last tournament of this kind was held at the Y before the COVID pandemic in 2019, and it’s been a priority to bring tournaments back to the YMCA, especially given I.J.’s longtime support of the Y as a community hub. I.J. coached summer basketball at the YMCA in addition to serving as head boys’ basketball coach at Boothbay Region High School for nearly 50 years, becoming the winningest coach in Maine boys’ High School basketball. Peggy Pinkham was moved by the outpouring of support. She shared, “I.J.’s spirit was certainly present this weekend, and it warms my heart to know that his legacy will continue as Tim coaches a new boys’ youth traveling team.” 

For everyone in the Pinkham family, it wastouching to see so many people come to the YMCA to play and watch so many enthusiastic basketball players. Many people donated to support the program, and beyond the fundraising there was the thrill of victory, as Tim’s boys’ division team ended up winning the tournament. Tim shared:“I am so happy to bring this event back to the community with the help of many people, in honor of my father who did this for so many years. It could not have been pulled off without the support from our great community. All the businesses and individuals that assistedwith their time or donations made it all possible. I told my 3/4 grade team that they have no idea how proud of them I was with their championship win. It means more to me than they will ever know to win the first annual I.J. Pinkham Memorial Tournament!” 

James added, “For me, this was more than just a successful weekend of games, it was a powerful reflection of the lasting impact I.J. had on our youth and this community. Nineteen teams came together in the spirit of competition and respect, volunteers stepped forward without hesitation, sponsors rallied behind the vision, families filled the bleachers, and Top Knot Productions captured moments that will now be part of our community’s story, all inspired by I.J. himself. He poured so much of his life into creating a community culture out of basketball, and growing up, that was magical to experience and be a part of. These kids deserve that same magic. I have to believe the number of people who supported this, and came together, and showed up to make it all happen this weekend, is exactly what I.J. would have wanted. And having the Boothbay boys winning their divisions was the perfect ending for his honor. This event was a true team effort in every sense, and I am so grateful to have been a part of something that will hopefully become a lasting tradition for years to come.” 

Needless to say, the tournament was a huge success and brought joy to many. One YMCA staff member, Youth Program Coordinator Adam Taylor, had a big smile on his face all weekend. He said, “This tournament felt like I was time traveling back to my own days growing up playing basketball in the same kind of atmosphere. To feel that same spirit in the building where I now work is something I will never forget. Although I didn’t know I.J. personally, this tournament helped me understand the impact he had on the youth in this community. Having so much of the community come together to make this possible was the icing on the cake. I truly can’t wait for this to continue for years to come.” 

The Boothbay Region YMCA extends a heartfelt thank you to all ofthe volunteer coaches and parents who are helping to bring youth basketball back to the Y. A special shout-out also goes to the referees, many of whom came full circle on the court after once playing in the program themselves. That’s the way our special community works: literally playing it forward, so others can follow.