Sunday mornings in the high school gymnasium aren't normally filled with Roughie athletes from their various teams gathered for a few hours.

Yet, April 6, proved to be a special gathering for a worthy cause. More than 200 athletes, parents, and supporters gathered in the Roughies' gym to participate in a 3-on-3 basketball tournament to benefit an eight-grade student at Catasauqua Middle School who recently underwent brain surgery. The event, which is sponsored by the Catasauqua High School Student Council, began at 10 a.m and ended at approximately 3 p.m.

Cost was $5 per player and it was a double elimination format with each team guaranteed two games in the blind draw. There were two, 6-minute halves with a 2-minute halftime. If there was overtime, it will be sudden-death foul shots. There was a maximum of four players per team and three divisions: grades 5-6; 7-9 and 10-12. Prizes were awarded for first place in each division.

Lorry and Steve Bradley, who both helped organize the event with her daughter Kenzie and son Zack, stated that 35 teams participated in the event and approximately $1,250 was raised from the event.

"Kenzie and her friends wanted to do something for their friend and classmate," said Lorry Bradley. "So she asked her brother Zack, who is a member of the school's student council, and Zack thought it would be a good idea for the Student Council to sponsor it.

"It was a great event," added Steve Bradley. "We had a good turnout and everyone knew they were there for a great cause. Our kids have always been very supportive of a good cause and wanted to do whatever they could.

"We also had great support from the community and the administration."

Athletic Director Tom Moll was appreciative of his community's efforts.

"I'd like to thank Lorry and Steve Bradley, Robin Rader, the CHS Student Council, Katie Buczynski, and all the volunteers for making the tournament a success," said Moll. "It's amazing how this tournament was put together quickly and raised a good amount of funds.

"It is a true credit to the dedication and support of the community."