Organizers, from left, Bryan Maule, Beau Maule and Bob Maule pose for a photo during the 87th Gold Medal Classic in Hermansville. (Photo submitted to the Escanaba Daily Press)

HERMANSVILLE — March 24 was the final day of the 87th Gold Medal Classic independent basketball tournament headquartered in the northern Menominee County community of Hermansville.

The night started with a trio of junior high boys games, beginning with Bark River defeating North Central 43-37. In the second game, Stephenson fended off Menominee 48-42, while in the junior high finale, Menominee defeated Bark River 52-34.

In the alumni game, Iron Mountain scored a 60-47 victory over Florence, Wisconsin. Kyle Johnson led the way for Iron Mountain as recent Mountaineers high school star Oskar Kangas added 16 points. Will Kelly had 19 for Florence.

In the final game of the night, Morning Ballers claimed the Class E championship by knocking off Avanta Print 81-74. Sam Muller led the Morning Ballers with 28 points while Trent Kitari had 22. Dustin Williams paced Advanta with 30.

The tournament included both its first postponement in its long history and some of the most exciting games in recent years, according to one of its organizers.

“Its something I look forward to every year,” Beau Maule said. “From the first game to the last game, the excitement level is just amazing.”

Maule has taken a bigger role in the tournament this year and he states that the community is vital to the tournament.

“We couldn’t do it without all the support of community businesses and all the members who come out and support it,” he said. “I’m looking to continue to take a bigger role in (it) year after year and I’m already excited to see what next year holds.”

For information on the 88th Gold Medal Classic, look for the Gold Medal Classic on Facebook.

Adam Hinch is a sports reporter at The Daily Press of Escanaba.