The NCAA Certified Event Brawl of the Ball Returns to Grand Rapids and is Creating a Buzz

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., July 16, 2012 – Grand Rapids Basketball, Inc tournament committee is pleased to be bringing back the Annual Brawl for the Ball basketball tournament to Grand Rapids. The NCAA certified event will be held on July 19th – 22nd, 2012 bringing some of the best basketball competition in the Midwest to MVP Fieldhouse (5435 28th Street Court SE, Grand Rapids, MI).

With a first class venue and all games taking place under one roof, the Brawl for the Ball is expecting to be sold out with 78 teams from across the Midwest and Canada competing in what promises to be one of this summer's most unique and prestigious basketball tournaments in the Midwest. This year's field will include national powers such as the Michigan Mustangs, Grand Rapids Storm, Team BOLTT, Illinois Magic, All Michigan, Jetstream Ohio & Lamarr Woodley’s Saginaw Underdawgs to name a few. Some of the feature athletes to watch on the court will be Monte Morris (Flint Beecher), Jalen Hayes (Lansing Sexton) and Derrick Walton (Chandler Park/University of Michigan). Local standouts on display this weekend include Chad Carlson & Chase Fairchild from Rockford, Marcus Hall (EGR), Luke Diekevers (Jenison), Kyle Steigenga (Holland Christian), Drew Zuidema & Preston Huckaby from Northpointe Christian, Brad Brechting (Cedar Springs), Mike McLaughlin (FH Northern) & Curtis Davison (Creston).

Brawl for the Ball is West Michigan’s first NCAA certified event, which began as an annual event in July 2010. A NCAA certified event allows NCAA college coaches to attend the tournament to observe and recruit prospective student-athletes. Some of the Division I colleges that have had coaches attend the event in the past include Michigan State University, University of Michigan, Purdue University, Eastern Michigan University, Central Michigan University, Western Michigan University, University of Detroit Mercy, University of Toledo, Drake University, Wright State University, Iowa State University, Texas A&M, South Florida and St. Bonaventure University to name a few.

The 2012 Brawl for the Ball will offer four high school boy’s divisions: 14U (Freshman to be), 15U (Sophomore to be), 16U (Junior to be) and 17U (Open/Senior to be). Teams will be guaranteed a total of four games with three pool play games and one tournament game beginning on Thursday, July 19th.

Admission is $7/day or $20 for an all-tournament pass. For more information and a schedule of games visit www.brawlfortheball.com or contact Jason Martin, tournament director via text at (616) 262-9529.

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About the Grand Rapids Storm
The Grand Rapids Storm is an elite organization with experienced coaches providing the highest level of basketball competition for their players. Successfully earning a position on the Storm team offers athletes the opportunity to compete at the highest level of basketball for their age group training them to excel in both basketball and academics.

About West Michigan Sports Commission:
The West Michigan Sports Commission’s main goal is to promote Michigan’s West Coast as the premier venue for hosting a diverse level of youth and amateur sporting events, enhancing the economy and quality for life in the region.