Lehighton celebrated its own version of March Madness with the 3rd Annual Damian Mele Memorial Basketball Tournament Saturday at the Lehighton High School Gymnasium.

Twenty-nine teams participated in 3-on-3 games throughout the day. There was a competitive division and a casual division.

There was a basket auction with over 100 items, including snacks, gift certificates, a large basket full of Barbie dolls and accessories, one full of Matchbox and other die-cast cars, lotions, adult beverages, snacks, and more.

This year there were 16 premium prizes, including autographed Eagles footballs, an autographed and framed Phillies jersey, a Yeti bag, a golf set, and a Martin guitar.

Proceeds benefit the scholarship fund set up in Damian’s name.

“It’s a scholarship that’s run through the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation,” said Lori Mele, Damian’s mother. “It’s for $1,000 and it goes to a Lehighton High School student. And as long as they maintain a certain GPA (grade point average), they can get the scholarship for up to four years. We’re about to award our fourth scholarship this year.”

“Thank you to all the volunteers,” Mele added. “Everybody has been donating everything and volunteering their time. It’s special, a real tribute to him. He died four years ago in a car crash. Now it’s our family’s mission to try to keep his memory alive. This is one way to do it.”

The Gold Sponsors of the tournament included Carbon Oral Surgery Associates; Country Inn & Suites, Lehighton; Christman Photography; Evan M. Wienand Design; Magic 105.5; Next Step Financial Solutions; Rapa Law Office; The Rick - DJ Ricky Mathews; and Richard R. Smith Photography.