In the parking lot of Calvary Bible Church in Mount Joy, a community space is calling. The church, located at 629 Union School Road, is home to basketball courts used regularly by local youths. Now, thanks to Bill Osborne, those courts will be the site of a three-on-three men's basketball tournament, which will be held on Saturday, June 25, beginning at 9 a.m.

"This is open to any men ages 16 and up," noted Osborne, a basketball enthusiast who is also a church elder. "The intent is to connect with the community, have fun and engage in some friendly competition."

Entry to the tournament is free, and a minimum of three players per team is required to sign up. Teams will be randomly paired up in the double-elimination tournament, and trophies will be awarded to the top three teams. The games will follow traditional three-on-three rules and regulations, Osborne explained, including half-court play and no three-point baskets. PIAA referees will be available for each game.

Osborne first learned of a community basketball tournament when he lived in Michigan. The idea of holding one in Mount Joy marinated in his mind for years before he finally decided to organize one last fall. "The competition was really terrific, and we had some quite intense games, but it was all in fun," he said of the October 2021 event. When it came time to organize the second tournament, he decided to move the event to the spring for warmer weather.

Osborne, who is not a basketball player himself, said the event offers an opportunity to get outside and have fun. "I'm just a basketball fan," he said. "I'm here to enjoy the camaraderie of the tournament."

That's the goal of the event, said associate pastor Jonathan Kauffman. "It's a great way to connect with our community," he remarked. "We want to build relationships with the community, and we want to be here for Mount Joy. Our church can't exist without our community, and we want to strengthen those bonds."

Refreshments will be available during the tournament. In the event of rain, the tournament will be rescheduled for Saturday, July 9. Space is limited, so teams are encouraged to register early. To register, call the church office at 717-653-5857 or email office@cbcmj.com.