Linden Gym in Sharpsburg set to host Adidas-sponsored basketball tournament

Sharpsburg’s Linden Gym will be in the spotlight next week after being selected to host an Adidas-sponsored basketball tournament.

The TD Sports Shootout is Aug. 1-2 and features athletes that range in age from eighth grade to high school juniors. Of particular local interest are the Sharpsburg Wolves, who use the North Canal Street facility for regular training.

“We’ve done a lot of renovations, and word is out on how nice the gym is,” Wolves Coach and borough councilman Greg Domian said.

The gym is in line for a $100,000 state Greenways, Trails and Recreation grant with which Domian said they’ll install a new hardwood floor, if approved.

“Needless to say, we are excited about hosting this event,” Domian said.

Teams from Shaler, Carnegie and as far as Johnstown will compete in the Shootout.

Tournament director Tony DiMaria said about 20 teams will put their skills on display from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., all while keeping coronavirus-related guidelines in mind.

Following CDC guidelines, masks and hand sanitizer will be available to everyone, Domian said.

Players will not be required to wear masks on the court but fans and coaches have to sport them on the sidelines. Temperatures will be checked at the door. Anyone exceeding 100.4 degrees will not be permitted into the facility, Domian said.

Social distancing will be possible with the addition of two sets of aluminum bleachers.

“The schedule is set up to allow only the two participating teams in the gym at a time,” Domian said. “Although this tournament has been set up to allow players an opportunity to enjoy the game, our No. 1 priority is protecting anyone who enters the gym.”

DiMaria added, “The teams don’t want to be tied up all day because of what’s going on with covid, so they’ll each play two games a day.

“We’re not stretching it out with everyone in the gym all day, but we got a little window where it’s OK to play and we decided to go for it.”

DiMaria also said the pandemic closures that left many high school facilities shut down paved the way for the Linden Gym to take center court.

“This facility has made a lot of improvements and could be a spot that we can end up using quite a bit,” he said.

Adidas is providing T-shirts for the participants.

“We’re proud to be the venue for this,” Domian said. “It will offer basketball fans in the area an opportunity to come and see some of the best talent in the area.”