The annual Don Petty Memorial Tournament hosted by the Canton girls basketball teams will be renamed to honor the legacy and life of former Canton basketball player Sami Curtis.
Canton varsity girls Head Coach Jim DiSalvo said he felt renaming the tournament after Sami would help to ensure her legacy continues to thrive in Canton.
“As a female student-athlete, Sami was the type of person who was every coach and teammate’s dream,” DiSalvo said. “We felt the time was right to support another individual whose impact on the Canton Community has also been immense.”
On top of her well documented efforts to support Cancer awareness causes and organizations throughout St. Lawrence County, Sami participated and volunteered many years with the Canton Hoopsters Program and was a member of the 2016 Canton Golden Bears Team that went to the State Final Four, DiSalvo explained.
DiSalvo also said that the legacy of Don Petty is in good hands, and will not be lost by renaming the tournament.
The Don Petty Memorial Golf Tournament or “Petty Open” is an event which is held annually and includes a “who’s who” of local coaches, former athletes, administrators and referees. Additionally, Section X football continues to honor Don with an award for the league’s most outstanding player annually.
“Don will forever hold a dear place in the hearts of the Canton Athletics Community and his legacy will continue to thrive in Section X Athletics,” DiSalvo said.
Held annually during the school’s Christmas break, the newly named Sami Curtis Memorial Holiday Basketball Tournament will tip off with both JV and varsity matchups between Hammond and Edwards-Knox on Thursday, Dec. 28. The JV game begins at 4 p.m. immediately followed by the varsity contest at 5:30 p.m.
Canton will play the later slate of games on Thursday, with the JV girls taking on Norwood-Norfolk at 7 p.m. followed by a matching varsity bout at 8:30 p.m.
Championship and consolation games will be held Friday beginning with the JV consolation game at 11 a.m., followed by the JV championship at 12:30 p.m.
The varsity consolation game will begin at 2:30 p.m. and the varsity championship will be held at 4 p.m.
All proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Help Sami Kick Cancer Foundation and The Lodge @ Dreaming Tree Ranch.
For more information about the foundation, visit helpsamikickcancer.org.
