LEHIGHTON, Pa. — The Mele family is keeping the spirit of their sports-loving son Damian strong in Lehighton.
He was 20 years old when he was killed in a car crash near Jim Thorpe in 2019. So, they honor him with the game he loved most.
"He loved basketball, so that is why we do this tournament. I think he would have loved the competitive nature of it," said Lori Mele, Damian's mother.
Damian wore #21 for the Lehighton Indians and graduated in 2017.
This Saturday, they will host the third annual Damian C. Mele Memorial Basketball Tournament at Lehighton High School. Last year, hundreds of people came out for the three-on-three style game.
"I think it's really special that we get to have it in this gym every year. This gym is where he played on this court, and I think that brings back great memories of him having a good time here," said Damian's sister Taylor.
Money raised from the tournament will go back into helping students at Lehighton Area High School through a scholarship.
"We call it a perpetual scholarship, which means a student at Lehighton High School can get $1,000 a year for four years to continue their academic career after high school," said Lori Mele.
The Mele family says the game is a homecoming for Damian's friends and former teammates.
But if playing basketball isn't your thing, they have other ways to offer support.
"If you're someone who just wants to come, watch a little bit of basketball, have some home-cooked food, and win some prizes, we are expanding the premium prizes. They can win some things like signed Eagles jerseys, signed Phillies gear, Phillies tickets," said Taylor Mele.
The Mele family says 29 teams have signed up so far. You can learn more here.