CARLSBAD, CA (March 17, 2025) — The energy inside the Carlsbad Boys & Girls Club was electric as the best middle school basketball teams from the North County cities of Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, and San Marcos clashed in the inaugural Tri-City Invitational on March 15, a tournament designed to showcase top young talent while breaking down financial barriers to competitive sports.
The event featured elite competition between four top-tier middle school programs:
Calavera Hills Middle School (Carlsbad)
Martin Luther King Middle School (Oceanside)
Madison Middle School (Vista)
Double Peak Middle School (San Marcos)
In the semifinal rounds, the Double Peak Middle School Suns powered past Martin Luther King Middle School, while the Madison Middle School Mustangs secured their championship game berth with a win over Calavera Hills Middle School.
The championship game was a hard-fought battle, with both teams showcasing sharp shooting, ball movement, defensive prowess, and teamwork under pressure. Standouts for the Mustangs included Irfaan Sidiqi (#6), Blake Ramos (#4), and Marcus McFerran (#5). Despite intense defensive pressure from the Suns, and excellent play from Steven Stagnaro (#10) and others, when the final buzzer sounded, the Mustangs emerged as champions, defeating the Suns by a score of 47-40.
Mustang point guard Marcus McFerran was selected MVP of the tournament. At the post-game awards ceremony, Mustang players received medals and hoisted the tournament’s first-ever championship trophy as fans erupted in celebration.
With a packed crowd of over 200 spectators throughout the tournament day, the event was more than just a competition — it was a celebration of sportsmanship, mentorship, and community engagement. Parents, community leaders, and high school coaches looked on as young athletes displayed exceptional skill, resilience, and teamwork.
“This tournament was about more than basketball,” said Allen Newsome III, President of Tri-City Athletic Club, the 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.”
“The turnout, the competition, the energy — this was everything we hoped for and more,” said Chad Nelson, CEO of Carlsbad Boys & Girls Club. “We saw young athletes push themselves, support each other, and embrace the values of leadership and perseverance.”
The Tri-City Invitational was free to all participants and was hosted with financial support from Abigail’s Medical Supply, The Players Promise, Carlsbad Boys & Girls Club, Vista Boys & Girls Club, Surf Brothers Teriyaki, Galvanized Strategies, and Robcon Realty.
Given the tournament’s overwhelming success, spectators and participants alike have already called for an expanded tournament in 2026, including middle school teams from across North County, such as Escondido, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Encinitas, and Del Mar.
“Our dream is to hold this tournament at Front Wave Arena,” said Aaron Byzak, Director for the Tri-City Athletic Club, referring to the new stadium in Oceanside that hosts Los Angeles Clipper’s G-League team games and other sports and entertainment events. “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, continues its mission of ensuring that no young athlete is left behind due to financial hardship. The organization is seeking sponsors to help expand future tournaments, mentorship programs, and academic initiatives.
For more information on the Tri-City Invitational or to support future events, visit tricityathleticclub.org or contact info@tricityathleticclub.org.
About Tri-City Athletic Club:
Tri-City Athletic Club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is committed to helping young athletes use their talents as a foundation for success. Through elite sports training, academic mentorship, and life coaching, the organization ensures that no student is left behind due to financial hardship.
For more information, visit tricityathleticclub.org
