BRIEFS: Southern Oregon Open returns; Mustangs set tryouts

Published 9:48 am Friday, May 12, 2023

The 15th annual Southern Oregon Open youth basketball tournament will welcome nearly 200 teams to the Rogue Valley this weekend in a return to normalcy for the event that has served to benefit Kids Unlimited in Medford.

The boys and girls basketball tournament, which began as a senior project by Kyle Singler at South Medford High in 2007, made its return last year after a two-year hiatus brought on by COVID precautions.

As a result of a late OK to play last year, the tournament included 25 teams after a maximum-capacity 200 teams in 2019 that featured 23 boys and girls divisions from fifth grade through high school.

This year, more than 5,000 total participants and spectators are expected at the weekend tournament as it returns to being one of the region’s largest sporting events.

The economic impact on the area from the Southern Oregon Open has been estimated at around $1 million since its inception by the local tourism bureau. Teams from throughout Oregon as well as California, Washington and Nevada have historically taken part in the tourney.

“It’s become a tradition for over 15 years,” said Tom Cole, founder and CEO of Kids Unlimited. “Because of how many teams from throughout California, Oregon and Nevada travel to the Rogue Valley to support the event, the impact has been incredible.”

Games are set to be played at North Medford, South Medford, Crater and Phoenix high schools as well as McLoughlin, Hedrick and Scenic middle schools, Grace Christian Elementary School, Santo Community Center and Kids Unlimited.

All-day passes for adults cost $10 and can be purchased at any of the sites. Kids are admitted free of charge.

For more info, go to unlimitedbball.org

The reigning state champion Medford Mustangs will be holding tryouts for the 2023 summer baseball season at 4 p.m. on May 29 at North Medford High School.

The Mustangs secured the 18th American Legion AAA state title in program history last year, advancing to play on the final day at the Northwest Regionals in Gillette, Wyoming.

Students from Ashland, Phoenix, South Medford, North Medford, St. Mary’s, Cascade Christian, Crater and Eagle Point are eligible for the tryouts, providing their date of birth is on or after Jan. 1, 2004.

The season begins June 5, with the state tournament to be played in Eugene from July 22-26.

The Middle Rogue Steelheaders have planned their 12th annual trout derby event to thank veterans for their services on May 20 at Lost Creek Lake.

All participants need is a fishing license, and the boat and gear will be provided by the boat owners and guests in the Steelheaders’ event. There is a park entry fee of $5.

Veterans meet at Day Use Area C across from the marina at 7 a.m. in the parking lot for registration, coffee and donuts. There will be a post-derby barbecue at 2 p.m. and raffle, and awards will be given for the three largest trouts as well as the oldest and youngest veterans on hand.

For more info, contact Greg Clarke at 801-698-5773 or Cole Tidwell at 541-531-7219.