St. Joseph’s to Host 32 team Middle School Jamboree

Philadelphia, PA – September 5, 2017 – Black Cager Sports Media is excited to announce that it has partnered with Phil Martelli to provide a 32 team Middle School Tournament that will take place in June 2018. Martelli, the winningest coach in Saint Joseph’s illustrious history, will host the “Middle School Jamboree’s” regional field as well as families and fans during the two-day event, June 9-10, 2018 at Saint Joseph’s University.

Located on a bucolic campus straddling City Avenue, Saint Joseph’s University is a private, coeducational Roman Catholic Jesuit university located in the Philadelphia suburb of Lower Merion Township. As Philadelphia’s Jesuit Catholic University, Saint Joseph’s provides a rigorous, student-centered education rooted in the liberal arts. Saint Joseph’s prepares students for personal excellence, professional success, and engaged citizenship.

“Partnering with Coach Martelli and Saint Joseph’s allows us to offer middle school teams a unique mix of academics, skill development and competition” said Delgreco Wilson, Executive Director of Black Cager Sports Media. “I’ve known Phil for over 30 years and he has always emphasized academics and preparing student-athletes for the next phase in their life as much as winning… People tend to focus on his ability to put guys like Jameer Nelson (Denver Nuggets), Langston Galloway (Detroit Pistons) and DeAndre Bembry (Atlanta Hawks) in the NBA. But, Phil is the same way with his walk-ons and managers.”

According to Wilson, “Phil may take more pride in the fact that he has guys like Mark Bass (St. Joseph’s), Mike Farrelly (Hofstra), Dwayne Lee (St. Bonaventure), Bill Phillips (Delaware) and Bobby Hughes (Rosemont) coaching at the collegiate level. Most recently, Daryus Quarles ’14 was named Head Coach at his alma mater Paulsboro High School. These guys were able to seamlessly move into coaching because Phil prepared them for the next phase while they played for him. Phil and I want to help Middle School players make better, more informed decisions during the high school selection process.”

The kids will compete. Phil Martelli’s Middle School Jamboree will provide middle school teams an opportunity to compete in five (5) guaranteed games.

The kids will get better. There will also be skill development sessions led by Coach Martelli.

But perhaps, most importantly, Martelli insisted that every participant be afforded an opportunity to participate in an “Academic” session. Participation in the Jamboree will be limited to rising 8th graders and younger. “I want to provide the kids and their parents with information they can use, and arm them with questions they can ask, as they navigate the high school selection process,” said Martelli. “We will welcome admissions staff and coaches from area Catholic, Independent, Public and Charter schools. There will be ample time for parents to engage High School representatives. We really want parents to come out and take advantage of this opportunity.”

The tournament’s full schedule is expected to be announced in Spring 2018.

Black Cager Sports Media, a regional sports marketing company, is partnering with the Saint Joseph’s Men’s Basketball program to manage all event operations and recruit regional teams to complete the 2018 field. Black Cager Sports Media has worked with many of the mid-Atlantic region’s leading high school and grassroots basketball programs, including current clients Team Melo (Nike), WeRone Hoops (Under Armour), Team Final (Nike), K-Low Elite (Adidas), Philly Hurricanes (Independent), Team Hines (Independent) and the Philadelphia Black Basketball Hall of Fame.

For further information, please contact:

Phil Martelli, Jr., Saint Joseph’s Men’s Basketball – pmartell@sju.edu (email)

Delgreco Wilson, Black Cager Sports Media – blackcager@gmail.com