March Madness @ GCD
January 10, 2017 marked the opening tip off to our 5th annual Grace Church Basketball League. For the last ten weeks we've been hosting approximately 50 people from the community every Tuesday & Thursday night in our gym. Twelve teams battled through an eight week regular season, and then entered into a single elimination tournament, which has been nothing short of exciting. Opening night of our Grace Church March Madness tournament began with a 12-seed over 5-seed upset, along with a come from behind Double Overtime victory! This was a fitting prelude to the begin the playoff tournament. The level of competition and talent in the league can (almost literally) jump through the roof.
This Tuesday, March 21st, we anticipate the most exciting games yet at the Grace Church FINAL FOUR!
You may recognize some familiar faces in the first semi-final game @ 7:00pm -- He may play like Lebron, but don't be fooled, that is Wes Karsten. Wes and I (Gumdropps) will be taking on the #1 seed, NBA (below); and yes, I'm a little scared. They're a lot more intimidating when they're not smiling, trust me...
Also, Game two will be a sight to see; @ 8:15pm we will have a rematch of the 2016 League Championship Game! Arrowhead and Lando's Magic are facing off against each other for the first time since Lando's (below) league victory last year!
If you cannot make it Tuesday for FINAL FOUR, don't worry... Thursday, March 23rd will be another exciting night to close out the season.
The gym doors will open at 6:00pm for check-in and registration for the 3-point contest. The 3-point shoot out will start at 6:30pm, and finalists will compete at halftime of the Championship Game (and the winner takes home a pair of Retro AirJordans). We'll hear a brief word from Pastor Daryle to open before the 8:00pm tipoff of the 2017 Grace Championship.
Also, don't worry about dinner, don't worry about drinks, don't bother with snacks - the Grace CONCESSIONS STAND will be open both Tuesday & Thursday night - Hot Dogs, Gatorade, Chips, Candy, etc. (and possibly a specialty treat from our very own Cathy Matovich!).
This league has truly been a blessing to me, and God has encouraged me to know it's blessed many involved as well. So, as exciting as Tuesday & Thursday's games will be/should be, come take advantage of the opportunity we have as a body to love on our community! They are coming into our building! Let the warmth and welcome and light feel strange, yet captivating! Let your little light shine ("fan into flame" some may say...), and pray that God would continue to do His good work right here in our midst.
March 21st - FINAL FOUR
March 23rd - CHAMPIONSHIP + 3point competition
SUPPORT THE HOOPS!!