CARLSBAD — Madison Middle School won the first-ever Tri-City Invitational basketball tournament, defeating Double Peak 47-40 in the championship game on March 15 at the Carlsbad Boys & Girls Club.
The tournament brought together top middle school teams from North County, including Calavera Hills (Carlsbad), Martin Luther King (Oceanside), Madison (Vista), and Double Peak (San Marcos).
The event aimed to highlight young talent while reducing financial barriers to competitive sports.
In the semifinals, Double Peak advanced past Martin Luther King, while Madison secured its spot in the title game with a win over Calavera Hills. The final was a hard-fought contest, with both teams showcasing strong shooting, ball movement and defensive play.
The Mustangs’ standout performers included Irfaan Sidiqi, Blake Ramos and Marcus McFerran, while Double Peak was led by Steven Stagnaro. McFerran was named the tournament’s most valuable player. After the game, Madison players received medals and hoisted the inaugural championship trophy as fans cheered.
The event drew more than 200 spectators, including parents, community leaders and high school coaches. Organizers said the tournament was as much about mentorship and community engagement as it was about basketball.
“This tournament was about more than basketball,” said Allen Newsome III, president of Tri-City Athletic Club, a nonprofit organization behind the event. “It was about providing a platform for these young athletes to shine, to compete at the highest level, and to know that their hard work matters — regardless of financial background.”
Carlsbad Boys & Girls Club CEO Chad Nelson called the turnout, competition and energy “everything we hoped for and more.”
“We saw young athletes push themselves, support each other, and embrace the values of leadership and perseverance,” Nelson said.
The tournament was free for all participants, and financial support was provided by Abigail’s Medical Supply, The Players Promise, Carlsbad Boys & Girls Club, Vista Boys & Girls Club, Surf Brothers Teriyaki, Galvanized Strategies and Robcon Realty.
Organizers said they hope to expand the event in 2026 to include middle school teams from Escondido, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Encinitas and Del Mar.
“Our dream is to hold this tournament at Front Wave Arena,” said Aaron Byzak, director of the Tri-City Athletic Club, referring to the new Oceanside venue that hosts the Los Angeles Clippers’ G League team. “We see the Tri-City Invitational as a way to bring talented young athletes and the community together and want this to grow into a must-attend event in North County.”
Tri-City Athletic Club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, seeks sponsors to help expand future tournaments, mentorship programs and academic initiatives.
For more information, visit tricityathleticclub.org.
