The Wally Seaver High School Invitational began as a modest 16‑team showcase after the death of Wally Seaver from ALS in 2013, a tribute that has since blossomed into one of the nation’s most prominent high school basketball tournaments, now featuring 153 teams from six states.
A Tribute That Became a Movement
Organized by Wally’s son Paul Seaver, the event draws teams from across the country and serves as a platform for young athletes to display their talent, while also channeling vital resources toward ALS research.
This year’s edition welcomed 153 high school teams from six states, raising nearly $20,000 for the Peter Frates Foundation, the UMass ALS Cellucci Fund, and Project ALS.
Beverly High School’s Eli Landman led his squad with a 36‑point performance, while North Attleborough High School captured the girls’ Pink Division title, driven by the efforts of Ula Malynka and Isabella Houghton, and guided by recent graduate Amelia Leighton.
Debbie Seaver, Wally’s widow, has called the tournament remarkable for the lives it touches, noting that many participants feel her husband’s spirit watching over the games.
Beyond the scores, the tournament underscores the power of sport to unite communities, foster hope, and advance research, a legacy that continues to expand each season.