Horizons of Savannah announces plans for the 2nd Annual Louise Lauretti Hoops for Horizons Basketball Championship Tournament to be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 5 at Savannah Country Day School. All proceeds from the event benefit Horizons, a summer program designed to help students from low-income families in the Savannah area achieve academic success.

The 3-on-3 event is open to boys and girls grades 5 through adult. Teams are guaranteed three refereed games, playing in age and affinity divisions.

“This tournament is named for beloved Horizons teacher Louise Lauretti, who lost her battle with melanoma in 2014,” said Christy Edwards, Horizons Executive Director. “It is an opportunity to bring together players of all ages and abilities, local Savannah basketball legends and Horizons supporters to celebrate Louise’s life long love of learning and her legacy at Horizons.”

In addition to the 3-on-3 games, the event features two local basketball legends. Dale Parker, former SCDS basketball coach, and Larry “Gator” Rivers, former Harlem Globetrotter, will both be on hand to lead tournament clinics and interact with the crowd.

New this year is a Free Throw Contest sponsored by Critz Auto Group. The qualifying event for all ages is set for February 20 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Critz BMW, 7009 Abercorn Street. Winners advance to the final contest at the tournament on March 5 and play for prizes.

Adult tickets for the free throw contest are $5; youth are free. Team ticket pricing for the tournament itself are as follows: $50 for a youth team, $75 for ages 18-29 and $100 for 30+.

Horizons is currently seeking area businesses to consider sponsorship opportunities for the fundraiser. There are sponsor levels ranging from title sponsor at $3,500 to supporting a youth team at $50. Sponsors receive a variety of marketing benefits prior to and during the event which are based on their level of support.