Crust Crusher Returns to Hebron for Pie Festival
The Lakewood Youth Basketball Association is set to host its annual Crust Crusher 3‑on‑3 tournament in Hebron’s High Street and Evans Park as part of the town’s beloved Pie Festival on September 11‑12. The event blends competitive basketball with the festival’s food‑truck atmosphere, drawing families and local vendors into a single weekend of community activity.
Organizers have structured the competition across several divisions, including third‑ and fourth‑grade, fifth‑ and sixth‑grade, seventh‑ and eighth‑grade, high‑school, and an adult co‑ed group. Brandi Tracey, treasurer of Lakewood Youth Basketball, notes that the fifth‑ and sixth‑grade brackets are the most heavily subscribed, while a handful of adult teams have also entered the lineup.
Aiming for Countywide Growth
Beyond the immediate Hebron crowd, the association hopes to attract participants from neighboring Pickerington and Lancaster, expanding the tournament’s reach across the county. To support this ambition, organizers are seeking additional fundraisers and partnerships that can sustain the program’s growth and keep youth engagement strong year after year.
Play is scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m. on September 11 for all divisions except the high‑school bracket, which will begin at 1 p.m. on September 12. If inclement weather forces a delay, games will be pushed to the following two days, ensuring that each division still receives its full slate of matches.
Sponsors and Community Support
The tournament’s court sponsorship roster includes Stephanie Snedden of Howard Hanna Real Estate, Field to Fork Cattle Co LLC, Phoenix Rise Athletics Group, and S&F Photography. Their contributions help offset venue costs and provide prizes, underscoring the role of local businesses in fostering youth sports.
Building the Next Generation
Earlier this summer, Lakewood Youth Basketball ran a successful K‑6 camp that introduced many children to the fundamentals of the game. The camp was led by varsity coaches Zach Parr on the boys’ side and Ian Green on the girls’ side, both of whom emphasized early skill development and a love for basketball that they hope will translate into lasting participation in the sport.