Blood

On behalf of Methuen Youth Basketball we welcome everyone to the 39th Annual Blood Scholarship Tournament. We have over 200 kids and coaches playing 32 games from 5pm on Thursday until 5pm on Saturday. The Methuen Fieldhouse will be rocking with March Madness for the three day event.

•Who was Bruce L. Blood?

Bruce was killed in a tragic automobile accident many years ago. Bruce was at a party in Lawrence, called a cab for a ride home, the cab was struck by car operated by a drunk driver. We feel it is important that players understand the spirit behind the tournament. Bruce played basketball all his life in Methuen. Bruce was one of the top all- time assist leaders at Methuen High School. So in the spirit of Bruce, let’s encourage that extra pass, let’s applaud that assist, and let us have a great tournament.

•September 11, 2001

The Bruce L. Blood tournament and the Methuen community lost a true hero and supporter to our youth basketball program. Ken Waldie, a father of 4 and husband of Carol was a passenger on American Flight 11. Ken was a member of our basketball board of directors and a basketball official in the Merrimack Valley. Ken would volunteer hours of time to the Blood Tournament to make sure every game had a basketball official.

Methuen Youth Basketball runs a 6th, 7th and 8th grade tip-off tournament in November in Ken’s honor. If you are interested in returning to Methuen in the fall for another tournament, we will put you on our mailing list.

•Rules and Fees

Every team is guaranteed 3 games. Top 2 in each 'pool' play in the championship. We play two sixteen minute periods with stop time, MAN TO MAN defense only, NO ZONE, NO PRESSING or TRAPPING. We do allow pressing in last two minutes of the game. All other basketball rules apply. This is a 5th grade tournament for boys and girls teams.. Teams are made up of travel teams and all stars teams from in house leagues. There will be 'A' and 'B' divisions. The Blood Family and MYBA looks at this tournament to have kids participate in an atmosphere of fun, no pressure, and enjoy the memories of being a kid.

The cost of tournament is $225 per team. To register your team please email Carrie-Ann Finch at cfinch823@yahoo.com We are looking for sixteen teams and the tournament has been sold out in last 36 years.

•General Information

•Refreshments will be available during the tournament.

•Referees volunteer their time and services for the three days.

•We have been fortunate to embrace sportsmanship in all our endeavors for the past 36years. Remember that this might be the first experience for your players in a tournament and we ask all coaches to “Lead by Example” for sportsmanship and fair play.

•What if it snows?

Be advised that weather changes quickly over our area. So it might be raining in Everett, sleet in Methuen and heavy snow in Merrimack New Hampshire. Please use your best judgment on weather related risks. We understand.

•Directions to Methuen High School

•Coming from South for teams like Wakefield, Woburn, Dracut, and Westford:

Take 93 North to Exit 48, which is Rte 213 East. (Warning: exit 47 and 48 exits are same ramp off 93). Take 213 to exit 3. At end of ramp take a left and get over to right lane. Take a right at next light, which puts you on Jackson Street. Follow Jackson for about half mile and high school entrance is on right. Ranger Road is entrance and it is between Martin’s Flower Shop and Mariner Healthcare. Follow Ranger Road and parking lots are on your left. DO NOT PARK IN FIRE LANE along driveway.

•Coming from New Hampshire Seacoast and Haverhill:

Take 495 South to Rte 213 West. Take exit 3 and bear right at end of ramp. Proceed straight through the traffic lights onto Jackson St. Follow Jackson for about half mile and school entrance is on your right. Ranger Road is entrance and it is between Martin’s Flower Shop and Mariner Healthcare. Follow Ranger Road and parking lots are on your left. DO NOT PARK IN FIRE LANE along driveway.

•Coming from Danvers:

Take 114 north to Rte 495 North to Rte 213 West. . Take exit 3 and bear right at end of ramp. Proceed straight through the traffic lights onto Jackson St. Follow Jackson for about half mile and school entrance is on your right. Ranger Road is entrance and it is between Martin’s Flower Shop and Mariner Healthcare. Follow Ranger Road and parking lots are on your left. DO NOT PARK IN FIRE LANE along driveway.

•Coming from North Andover, Andover :

Rte 495 North to Rte 213 West. . Take exit 3 and bear right at end of ramp. Proceed straight through the traffic lights onto Jackson St. Follow Jackson for about half mile and school entrance is on your right. Ranger Road is entrance and it is between Martin’s Flower Shop and Mariner Healthcare. Follow Ranger Road and parking lots are on your left. DO NOT PARK IN FIRE LANE along driveway.

•Coming From Merrimack, Windham and Salem NH:

Take 93 South to Exit 48, which is Rte 213 East. ). Take 213 to exit 3. At end of ramp take a left and get over to right lane. Take a right at next light, which puts you on Jackson Street. Follow Jackson for about half mile and high school entrance is on right. Ranger Road is entrance and it is between Martin’s Flower Shop and Mariner Healthcare. Follow Ranger Road and parking lots are on your left. DO NOT PARK IN FIRE LANE along driveway.

In Memory of the one and only Charlotte Blood.

The Blood Family

The Blood family surrounded by friends and players

THE BLOOD FAMILY TOURNAMENT WILL BE BACK IN 2024