Cottle Memorial hoop tourney date slated

    Friends of the late Brandon Cottle continue to remember him through an annual charity basketball tournament played at the Houlton Recreation Center.
    In its third year, the tournament brings together Cottle’s family and friends to pay their respects, while raising money for a memorial scholarship and a special place where Cottle spent many hours, the Houlton Rec.
    A year ago, the tournament raised $5,000 for the Brandon Cottle Memorial Fund, which is now  a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit account. The first year, the tournament helped the family raise money for Cottle’s headstone and started the memorial fund. Last year, the tournament was able to raise money for the scholarship fund and improvements at the rec.
    Luke McGary is organizing the event again this year that will be played Dec. 19 and Dec. 20 at the rec center. On Dec. 19, teams will play from 4-10 p.m. and on Dec. 20 they will play from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Food, refreshments, children’s games and a raffle on a 50-inch HDTV will be available through the weekend.
    Last year, Luke Bernard, formerly of Houlton, put together a team from Presque Isle. They are two-time champions of the event.
    McGary isn’t sure who is playing yet, as they are still working on forming eight teams. Anyone wanting to play should contact Frank DiStefano at 538-6032.