Annual Basketball Tournament Honors Memory Of Standout Leechburg Athlete
LEECHBURG (KDKA) - Samantha Smith was a standout athlete at Leechburg High School, starring on the volleyball and basketball teams.
Smith was one of two young women killed in a car crash five years ago.
Every Thanksgiving weekend, there is a big 3-on-3 basketball tournament in Armstrong County to raise money for a scholarship in her name.
"She was just loved by so many people. She was an amazing friend, so when she passed away, it just rocked our community and everyone felt the loss," scholarship organizer Anne Brady said.
For five years, Brady has worked to raise money for an annual scholarship given in Smith's name.
"Even five years down the road, it is still nice to remember her legacy and get to carry on things that she didn't get to live out because she was taken so tragically from us. So, it's a great way to honor a close friend and former classmate, tournament organizer Caleb Orendi said.
Three years ago, the Leechburg classmates started working together. Now, their 3-on-3 basketball tournament is the primary fundraiser for the annual award.
"All of the money goes to the Samantha Smith Scholarship, which is awarded to a senior female athlete from Leechburg High School every year," Brady said.
There were 17 teams in the field this year. Some of the players are former Leechburg players, while others just love the game.
All of them make sure the event held the weekend after Thanksgiving in Leechburg is on their calendar.
"We are a small town and so to have all of this support, to have all these people come back from out of state and everywhere. It's around the holidays. It's just so many emotions, and it's just so great to see everyone together," Brady said. "I was hoping five to eight years when I started it. Now, we will definitely exceed that.
This year's award will be given in the spring right before graduation.
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