Martin Luther King Basketball Showcase Ready to Tip Off

The Erie Sports Commission (ESC) in Erie, PA, is pleased to announce that the Martin Luther King Basketball Showcase and Expo will tip-off in Erie January 17 -20 at a variety of local sites, including East High School, McDowell High School and Mercyhurst University.

This community event, which is a combination of basketball and an expo for local talent in the arts, has been significantly expanded for the 2014 edition. The Showcase will feature more than 30 boys and girls teams at the grade school, junior high and high school levels. Sixteen of the teams will be from out-of-town and will match up against local competition including teams from McDowell, East, Central, Fairview, Warren, Franklin and Cranberry. Four championship school teams, including perennial boy’s powerhouse Niagara Falls High and Toronto’s St. Michael College, will take the court on the boy’s side. Two-time defending state champion Cardinal O’Hara is featured in girl’s action.

The Expo portion of the weekend will be held on Jan. 20, at a soon-to-be-announced local venue, and will feature the special talents of youth in the areas of singing, dancing and varied entertainment.

This year marks the fourth edition of the event, which has grown in recognition and stature every year thanks to the efforts of Tournament Director Michael X. Anderson and a veteran volunteer staff.

“Our sponsors and volunteers have been integral in the success and continued growth of the Showcase and Expo,” said Anderson, “and the Sports Commission has proven to be a tremendous resource.”

“It’s great to see events like the MLK Basketball Showcase and Expo evolve and grow year after year,” said Ron Sertz, Executive Director of the ESC. “It’s a great community event and we’re happy to continue to play a small role in its success.”

The Martin Luther King Basketball Showcase would like to thank the continued support of its sponsors, including the Erie Sports Commission, YMCA of Erie County, Ben Wiley Charter School, Creative Imprints, GECAC, Erie Bank and Handle with Care Daycare.

For more information contact Michael X. Anderson at 814-520-2722 or mlkerietheshow@yahoo.com.

The Erie Sports Commission is committed to promoting the Erie region as a prime destination for sports and recreation.  The major goals of the ESC are to attract, create, support, and host sporting and recreational events that have a positive economic impact on the region, and assist in maximizing the potential of all regional sports facilities and venues.  The ESC strives to enhance the image of Erie by showcasing the community, promote wellness through healthy lifestyles, and improve the quality of life for community members of all ages.