Two years ago, Kraybill Mennonite School in Mount Joy organized a basketball tournament at the end of the season, inviting a handful of local schools to compete. The event was a success, and it's become an annual happening at the school.

This year's Kraybill Basketball Year End Tournament was held on Valentine's Day, and it brought together teams from Susquehanna Waldorf School in Marietta, Manheim Christian School, Conestoga Christian School in Morgantown and Kraybill for a day of friendly competition.

The final two championship games pitted Manheim Christian against Kraybill. The boys' team from Manheim Christian won in overtime, 34-33. The Manheim Christian girls' team won 20-7. The winning teams received a plaque.

"The annual basketball tournament brought together teams from across the region for an unforgettable competition," shared Suzanne Snyder, administrative assistant for Kraybill. "Hosted by Kraybill Mennonite, the event featured an energized crowd from all the teams."

She emphasized that the games had the spectators on the edge of their seats.

"Young athletes showcased their talent and teamwork, diving for loose balls and executing perfectly timed assists," she said. "All four of the teams played wonderfully. The boys' championship game came down to the final seconds of overtime. A buzzer-beating shot sealed their victory, sparking celebrations on the court and in the stands. Everyone is looking forward to having the tournament again next year."

Located at 598 Kraybill Church Road in Mount Joy, Kraybill Mennonite School provides Christ-centered education for children in preschool through eighth grade. It has a long history of educating youths, opening its doors in 1949. Today, the school serves more than 230 students who represent 75-plus local churches and more than 20 denominations. Annual events at the school include a benefit auction held in the spring and a Christmas Craft Fair and Celebration held in December.

The tournament provides an opportunity for the school to host other area teams while also spotlighting its own teams, Snyder said.

"We have a basketball program and hope to have other sports teams in the future," she remarked, noting that proceeds from concession sales at the tournament support the basketball program.

For more information on Kraybill Mennonite, visit http://www.kraybillmennonite.org.