Riverhead’s ‘Stop the Violence’ basketball tournament took place this weekend on the town basketball court at the Osborn/Horton Avenue park.
A team from Queens took home the top prize of $5,000, tournament organizer Dwayne Eleazer said.
It was the 13th annual tournament, which was conceived by Eleazer and cofounder Larry Williams.
There was a changing of the guard this year, as Williams retired and moved to Georgia. His son Eric Williams stepped up and worked with Eleazer to organize the event.
Eric Williams was a great help, Eleazer said.
“I’m getting ready to pass the torch to the younger guys,” Eleazer said today. “Maybe one more year.”
“Eric and a few other guys have a good heart for what the tournament is about” — promoting peace and understanding by allowing people to get to know one another in a friendly environment.
The double-elimination tournament draws up to 12 teams in a two-day contest. Professional officials oversee the action. The event draws a crowd of spectators to the park each year.
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