TYLER, Texas — Macy Chenevert was fourteen-years-old when she passed away from her battle with cancer, Ewing Sarcoma. She had a deep love for basketball and was an amazing point guard for Bishop Gorman.
In the years after her passing, her family created a basketball tournament to honor her love for the sport and let her legacy live on.
"At first it was just a small eighth-grade tournament because she was in eighth grade but it's developed into 16 high school teams competing," said Steve Chenevert, Macy's father. "It's a fun time for the girls. My wife and I enjoy it also."
For the Chenevert family, it's important to share memories about Macy so the newer athletes understand the tournament more and play for a purpose.
"It's one of those bitter-sweet things, sometimes you get emotional but I think my wife Becky and I feel that if we could touch one child and teach them to not give up (when) life gets hard...and people are going to need you so it's important to be there," Steve said.
It has been 19 years since Macy played as a Lady Crusader but her legacy, and impact show in each tournament because of the Chenevert family and the continuous supporters.
"This tournament allows our girls to understand that this is more than basketball," said Bernard Anderso, Lady Crusader's Head Coach. "Understanding that in life things happen, but we still have to respect each other and be great teammates."
When asked if the motto behind the tournament is to be there for each other, Steve said, "Yes, that is a great model for the tournament."
Tip-off is 9:00 a.m. on Friday beginning with Bishop Gorman facing off with All Saints. The competition ends on Saturday for the Championship rounds.