HERMANSVILLE — The dates are set for the 82nd Annual Gold Medal Independent Basketball Tournament, which will be held March 19-29 at the Meyer Township Community Club.

The Tournament directors are Bob, Bryan and Beau Maule.

There will be divisions for men, women, and junior high once again in this year’s tournament. Classes for men include Class A, B, C, D, E, EE, and potentially an A and B Division for the women if there’s enough interest. For junior high, there will be a boys and girls division.

A stipulation for this year’s tournament, which is being brought back into the fold from years ago, is roster restrictions applying to lower men’s divisions.

“With 82 years of competition a lot changes over time — managers, players, sponsors, and fans. One constant for 82 years is the gym,” said Tournament Director Bryan Maule.

“The atmosphere when you climb the steps entering the building is as if one can still feel the presence of those no longer with us. Raymond Bray standing in the official’s room doorway with his iconic pose, George Maule burning a cigar in the same room with towering trophies all around him.

“The gym remains a constant thanks to consistent investment by the community, and a building manager in Andrew Fazer that is dedicated to its up-keep.”

Remberance of former constants and iconic players, like Bob Ronallo of Wausaukee non-chalantly scoring 35 points in one quarter of play on his way to a 66-point performance in a class A game at age 42. Fran McCarthy and Terry Johnson of Norway with their towering afros.

Tom Granquist of Powers draining 42 points in a late morning Class C game, followed up the very next game with Bryan “Chung” LaChapelle of the Crystal Falls McNeil Oilers canning 44 points in his late 40s, are things to reflect on and recollect.

“This year’s tournament we are focusing on recruiting new and old talent. Tighter roster restrictions to the lower divisions along with a revamped junior high division will help to get youth involved in the tourney, and at the same time provide more competitive lower divisions to not only retain but add more teams,” said Maule.

Deadline to register is March 14 at midnight CDT. For more information or to enter a team, contact Bryan Maule (906-295-0153).