Dru Gimlin 3-on-3 tournament takes to streets of Quincy

QUINCY – The Dru Gimlin 3-on-3 basketball tournament returned to the streets of downtown Quincy on Saturday, commemorating the 20th year of the Dru Gimlin Foundation and honoring the 20 years since Gimlin’s passing in February 2003.

What began as a golf tournament has since grown into a three-on-three basketball tournament that brought 100 teams to 16 outdoor courts along the intersection of Central Avenue S and D Street SW in Quincy.

“It’s hard to believe that Dru’s been gone for 20 years because that’s what marked all of this – the foundation was created by Dru’s passing and his friends that were seniors a year above him,” Tournament Chair Stephanie Boorman said. “They had a passion and wanted his memory to live on.”

The 100 teams is a strong increase in participation to last year’s tournament, which has 59 teams registered to play.

“We just want to make sure that we keep it going,” Boorman said. “This year – holy cow – in only a month of planning and coming up with 101 teams registering, it’s pretty intense.”

Those teams came from across the Columbia Basin and beyond, with teams from Royal City and Warden to Spokane, and even a team from Idaho traveling to Quincy to compete in the tournament.

“We’ve got a team from Omak, Pasco, Cheney, Spokane – a lot from Cashmere, the Gimlins now have some roots in Cashmere – Idaho now, because Justin Gimlin, Dru’s brother - his boys are over here playing,” Boorman said. “It’s amazing to see the people coming in from all over, and that’s what we want.”

Proceeds from the Dru Gimin 3-on-3 tournament go toward the Dru Gimlin Foundation which assists in supporting local youth athletics programs, not just basketball. The Dru Gimlin Foundation also gives out scholarships to Quincy High School seniors, one male and one female.

“The foundation is there to help offset the financial burden for youth to take part in athletic programs,” Boorman said. “To help all players, regardless of their financial situation, be able to play and take part. The foundation also gives back to programs, programs can submit a request for funding.”

Even though the 2023 tournament was just held, Boorman said she’s already looking to prepare for next year’s tournament. Those interested in supporting the Dru Gimlin 3-on-3 tournament can reach out to Boorman at (509) 289-0688, or by email drugimlin3on3@yahoo.com.

“We want to see it continue, for one, Dru’s memory – we want to see it live on through the tournament, and for his family too,” Boorman said. “It’s also an opportunity for our local kids in the Grant County, Quincy Valley and Wenatchee area that if they can’t take part in Hoopfest or Spring Fest because of cost, we try to keep our registration cost reasonable to attract local teams to let them play and take pride in a three-on-three tournament in their downtown streets.”

13 teams left as champions, earning a commemorative t-shirt with the word CHAMPION written down the right sleeve. For the winner of each bracket, see below.

“You have people that played in the original tournaments who have their kids now playing in it,” Boorman said.

Ian Bivona may be reached at ibivona@columbiabasinherald.com.

Dru Gimlin 3-on-3 tournament winners

3/4 Grade Boys: Sonics

3/4 Grade Girls: Knights

5/6 Grade Boys: The Backyard Ballerz

5/6 Grade Girls: Warriors

7/8 Grade Boys: Ice Spice Select

7/8 Grade Girls: Kodiak

9/10 Grade Boys: Bucking Nuts

9/10 Grade Girls: Royal Knights

11/12 Grade Boys: The Danish Dunkers

Women's Open: Crossover Cuties

Men's Rec: 1up

Men's Mature: Free Ballin

Men's Elite: kWebs Customs

CORRECTION: This story has been corrected to note the Dru Gimlin 3-on-3 basketball tournament was played on 16 outdoor courts in Quincy.