Joe Pete Basketball Alumni Tournament continues to evolve

The Joe ‘Pigskin’ Pete Ashtabula County high school basketball alumni tournament is back for another year.

This year’s event is scheduled to run from noon-5 p.m. Saturday at Jefferson High School.

There will once again be two divisions — 18-29 and over 30. Each game in the single-elimination tournament will consist of 15-minute running halves.

This year, there’s a couple of differences.

There were some conflicts filling out the number of teams, so players from Fairport and Painesville are expected to participate, and a women’s squad is scheduled to compete.

“That’s one of our long-term goals [to have a women’s division],” Abby Pete, Joe Pete’s daughter, said. “It’s a great first step. I’m grateful for the ladies for showing up and to fight for the championship.”

The tournament will also include points and fouls being recorded and Ohio High School Athletic Association officials will be present.

Two champions and two Most Valuable Players will be crowed at the tournament’s end.