ButteSports.com: Shootout donates $3,200 to Mariah’s Challenge

2016 Crossroads Shootout

ButteSports.com

The 9th Annual Butte Depot Crossroads Shootout basketball tournament donated $3,200 to Mariah’s Challenge, tournament director Mike Bauer announced today.

In nine years, the full-court, four-on-four tournament has fielded 488 teams and donated $32,200 to Mariah’s Challenge, a movement that encourages high school students to avoid underage drinking and drinking and driving.

Bauer said about 60 players with college experience played in this year’s tournament. There were also 30 referees from out of town, and many other volunteer score keepers and helpers. He said the tournament had 142 business sponsors.

“Once again, the tournament volunteers have made The Depot – Crossroads Shootout an outstanding event for Butte and Mariah’s Challenge,” Mariah’s Challenge founder Leo McCarthy said. “The impact of this great tournament is felt city wide and brings outstanding men and women’s basketball players to the Mining City. The whole weekend is top notch and anticipation grows each year. Special Thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors for believing in Butte and Mariah’s Challenge.”

Since 2008, Mariah’s Challenge has provided over $335,000 in scholarships to Butte area seniors who live by the ideals of the Challenge.

Bauer said the number of teams was down from years past, but that’s mainly because the tournament committee has put a limit on the number of teams that can sign up in each division.

The date for the 10th Shootout will be set by Oct. 1.