Dime is the premier basketball magazine, covering the NBA, NCAA, High School, Playground and International basketball - as well as sneakers, fashion and music.
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TOURNAMENT WORDS. Sean Sweeney PHOTO. Steven Gabriele Invitational Tournament Florida might be better known for its football, but teenagers in the Sunshine State can handle the rock too. Tis spring, Converse and CBF Sports Management's Benny Fragela are partnering up to host the second-annual Miami National Invitational Tournament, an event that is expected to host well over 150 teams from third to 12th grade. Miami National SNEAKER SPOT On the weekend of March 30 through April 1, basketball squads from all over Florida, as well as teams from the Carolinas and Tennessee, will peel off the warm-ups, lace up some Converse sneakers and hit the hardwood on gyms spread out across Miami. If you want talent, this tournament has it. Last year, players being recruited by Florida and Florida State took part. This year, the pros- pects are even better. Deandre Burnett from Carol City High School in Miami, one of the top scorers in the nation at 36 points a night, is playing. So are other prospects like Dade County's Anthony Sinclair and Kory Schultz. Even the refereeing will be top notch; all games will be officiated by NFHS officials. One of the most prestigious events of the USSSA Basketball season, the tournament – which counts as a qualifier for the Florida State Championship – guarantees three games of pool play. Once the initial rounds are completed, Fragela says each age division is split into two separate groups – a division one and division two – to weed out the best from the rest. The tournament will begin that Friday at 6 p.m. and run through- out the weekend until Sunday night. A full weekend basking in one of the hottest cities in America, with enough basketball talent to fill the lower bowl in AmericanAirlines Arena? It doesn't get much better. Even last year during its first year of existence, Fragela says the atmosphere was amazing. "I wouldn't say they're getting sold out, but you get at least 200 people in every gym," says Fragela. "Especially with the little kids. All the parents come to their games." During last year's inaugural tournament, Fragela recalls he had to stop registering teams once they hit 85. They could've kept going with well over 100 squads, but space was a factor. Not anymore. "I stopped just because it was our first year," he says. "But this year, I've already locked up 30 gyms." They aren't holding back at all in 2012. Not only will there be more teams, but every player is getting a free pair of Converse sneakers. Last year, it was only the winners who got served. This time, you can lose and still walk away with some fresh gear. "It's crazy when you think about it," he says. "To go to a tournament and get a pair of shoes? That's awesome." For more information or to register, visit www.cbfcamp.com. 19