Nike scholastic league brings tournament to North Augusta

NORTH AUGUSTA, SC. (WRDW/WAGT) - A basketball tournament hosted by the Elite Youth Basketball League is looking to bring hundreds of thousands of dollars to our area.

You may recognize the letters EYBL from Peach Jam, but this time, eight of the best high school basketball teams from across the nation are right here in North Augusta, and it’s set to have an economic impact of nearly $245,000.

Events like this have a big impact on small businesses like Zack’s Pizza, which has seen visitors come and go since 2018.

“Every event that comes in town is helpful for us. Especially any kind of Masters, basketball tournaments, or anything that happens here. It brings a little bit of business to us,” said Owner of Zack’s Pizza, Ali Musah.

This is the first time Nike is holding a scholastic league tournament in North Augusta.

“It’s a new league that the Elite Youth Basketball program came up with to try to crown a mythical national champion in high school basketball,” said Park and Rec Director for North Augusta, Rick Meyer.

Destination Augusta estimates it will bring in $242,765 with 500 people in attendance.

It’s great for businesses and for parks and recreation facilities as this is the first of two EYBL events in the city this year.

“Eight teams time 15 players ... parents, fans. It’s always an economic impact. These guys are eating in restaurants, staying in hotels,” said Meyer.

The tournament is something fun for the whole family.

“For $10, you can get in the gate to watch three games,” said Meyer.

If you want to bring the family to watch, you can find the schedule here.

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