Salisbury Welcomes Basketball Enthusiasts for Annual Governor’s Challenge

While the rest of us have been indulging in holiday treats and lounging around the house, high school basketball players have been hitting the hardwood during their holiday break, competing in the annual Governor’s Challenge at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. The tournament runs from Thursday, December 26 until Sunday, December 29, bringing countless teams and fans to Wicomico County for the holiday event.

The Wicomico Youth & Civic Center showcases the basketball competition each year in an effort to bring area basketball players together during the holiday break from school. The tournament grew into the Governor’s Challenge in 2010 when Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley challenged Delaware Governor Jack Markell with the wager of a Maryland Smith Island Cake to a Delaware Peach Pie. Since then, the Governor’s Challenge has grown each year, including the addition of the AAU division which doubled the size of the tournament.

This year, 35 high school boys’ basketball teams from across the region will descend on Salisbury, bringing not only the excitement surrounding the competition, but also a shot of life the local economy and the city of Salisbury. Thousands of friends, family members and spectators will spend the weekend in Salisbury for the weekend.

In addition to the four-day tournament, fans will have the opportunity to participate in multiple contests and activities including the M&T Slam Dunk Contest, the High School 3-Point Contest, Video Game Extravaganza, Fan Contests & Giveaways, Door Prizes and a Dr. Pepper Sampling. Perhaps the most highly anticipated events are the slam dunk and 3-point contests. The slam dunk contest, held at 9pm on December 27, pits the top 6 dunkers in Maryland and Delaware against one another; the 3-point contest, held at 6:30pm on December 27, showcases the top 10 shooters in a long range contest.

Admission to the 2013 Governor’s Challenge is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 11 to 18. Tickets are available at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Box Office or by calling 410-548-4911. Tickets will be sold throughout the tournament. For more information visit www.salisburychampionships.org.