DeNapoli, Lendach, Grasso and Ulichny Team Up to Win Hoops Tourney

In an effort to raise funds for the animals and foster team spirit, The Plainfield Area Humane Society held its second annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament April 28 at the . While only seven teams participated, the day was filled with fun and excitement.

Since enrollment was smaller, each team played all other teams. Each game lasted 12 minutes, and was played to 12 points. After the seven games, a 3-point shooting contest was conducted. One player from each team participated, and each player shot 15 balls.

After the first round, there was a tie between Evan Mluzan and Billy Marano, each making 11 of their shots. Sudden death resulted in Billy Marano winning the first place T-shirt, making 12 of 15 shots! Then began the championship bracket. Team 5, led by James von B with teammates Peter and Evan Finer, had a bye the first round as they were in first place after the seven-game event.

Says orchestrator Lynn Herro, a Plainfield Area Humane Society Board member, "It should also be noted that James and Peter were our Champions for the first annual tournament last year!"

The championship game was played by Team 1 with all players from the 2008 Drew University basketball team–David Cramer, Pat Hickey, Billy Marano and Travis DeNapoli–vs. Team 7, comprised of Todd DeNapoli (the brother of Travis from Team 1), Kyle Lendach, Matt Grasso and Sean Ulichny. (Todd and Sean are from the 2008 Susquehanna University basketball team).

While the game came down to the wire, Team 7 won the championship. Winners and Runners-up each received T-shirts, and the winning team received four tickets to a Rutgers Football game.

"Many thanks to Rutgers University for donating tickets for this event as they literally 'jumped through hoops' to make this happen for us!" says Herro.

What also made this tournament even more special was that it honored Christopher Giraldo, a 20-year-old Long Hill resident who passed away from brain cancer in November 2011. Each player received a Chris “G” brain cancer bracelet and to the surprise of all, Chris’s mother and step-father honored the group with an appearance immediately before play-offs began!

"All-in-all, a fabulous day," Herro adds. "Many thanks to all players and sponsors. We look forward to seeing you next year for our third!" 

Located at 75 Rock Avenue in Plainfield, NJ, The Plainfield Area Humane Society is a private 501©3 non-profit organization that has been in continuous operation since 1933 and whose mission is to find a loving home for every homeless pet who enters its doors. In addition to caring for and rehabilitating stray, abandoned and unwanted animals, PAHS provides programs on pet care and responsible ownership for community scout, school, church, business and library groups by appointment, and at no charge.