The Wally Seaver High School Invitational basketball tournament, founded in 2012 by Paul Seaver, has become one of New England’s most anticipated youth basketball events.
What began as a modest 16‑team fundraiser has expanded into a summer showcase that draws roughly 150 teams from across the region and even from distant states such as New York and Florida.
A Tradition Fueled by Community
Coaches from schools in Massachusetts, Connecticut and beyond gather each year not only to compete but to support a cause that hits close to home. The event’s organizers say the camaraderie on the court mirrors the solidarity needed in the fight against ALS.
For many participating programs, the tournament has turned into a ritual. Schools that have attended for years view the games as an opportunity to give back, to raise awareness, and to keep the memory of a beloved coach alive.
Wally Seaver, a respected basketball mentor in Franklin, Milford and Wellesley, was diagnosed with ALS in 2011. He passed away two years later, but his legacy lives on through the tournament that bears his name. Paul Seaver, who created the event as a Father’s Day tribute, says the growing participation fuels his hope for a cure within his lifetime.
Beyond the games, the tournament has partnered with local organizations, including Wellesley Boys’ Varsity Basketball, Quincy Boys Varsity Basketball and Stonington Connecticut Boys’ Varsity Basketball, to amplify its reach and impact.
As the tournament continues to attract teams from across New England and beyond, its dual mission — celebrating basketball and advancing ALS research — remains at the forefront of every dribble, pass and shot.