Everyone wins in Camp A.N.C.H.O.R. benefit game

Since 1907, the hardwood floor on the campus of St. John’s University has been home to legends like Lapchick, McGuire, Carnesecca, Schaeffer, Jackson, Mullin, Sealy, Artest, and many more. Add the names Malone and Mulhall to the list.  

Last Saturday afternoon, an enthusiastic crowd of approximately 2,500 witnessed one of the more memorable events in the illustrious history of New York basketball as the inaugural Malone Mulhall Benefit Basketball Game was played at Carnesecca Arena. 

The event was held in honor of Jamie and Paige Malone, and Michael Mulhall. Last July, the three close friends from Floral Park were on their way to work at Camp A.N.C.H.O.R., a recreational summer camp for special needs people of all ages, when their car crashed into a tree alongside the Meadowbrook Parkway killing all three. Jamie, Paige, and Michael had each dedicated seven or more years at Camp A.N.C.H.O.R. 

The special event, which raised nearly $50,000 for foundations and scholarships established in the names of the three counselors, included a three-point shootout, a slam dunk contest and a game between elite basketball players with New York ties.

Joe Lynch, who was Paige Malone’s boyfriend, organized the event. “Athletics were a big part of Jamie, Paige, and Michael’s lives,” Lynch said. “So, we thought there was no better way to honor them then through an athletic competition. Also, Jim Malone, father of Jamie and Paige, has been a high school basketball coach in the city for over 20 years.”

The crowd was treated to sharp shooting and high-flying circus dunks from the likes of Danny Green (St. Mary’s High School/University of North Carolina), Tyrone Nash (Lawrence Woodmere Academy/University of Notre Dame), Andrew Beinert (Chaminade/College of the Holy Cross), Paris Horne, Justin Burrell and Malik Boothe of St. John’s University, and many other superb players from the area.

Boothe, a three-year starter for the Red Storm, was excited to be part of the event. “It’s obviously very sad what happened, but we’re turning it into a positive by coming together to honor these three very special people and their families,” Boothe said. “It’s great to be able to play with my St. John’s teammates again. I took my 15-minute drive here, and walked into the same locker room. I feel very much at home.”

Camp A.N.C.H.O.R (Answering the Needs of Citizens with Handicaps through Organized Recreation) is a year-round recreation program that is dedicated to both children and adults with special needs residing in the Town of Hempstead. The program provides activities after school and on weekends in various locations throughout the township. The six-week summer day camp is located at Lido Beach.

The day’s festivities began with the three-point shootout, which was won by Jeff Xavier who played collegiately at Providence College. Xavier now plays professionally in Spain for Caceres 2016 C.B.

The slam dunk contest took five rounds to decide as Horne and Vernon Goodridge put on a show. Horne, who has signed on to play professionally in Germany, distanced himself from Goodridge with a spectacular slam that garnered 48 points from the judges.

Without question, the highlight of the event was the halftime show. The Camp Anchor dance team performed to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” as the crowd roared in approval.

Tom Dowling (South Side High School/Bentley University) was pleased to participate in the event. “When Joey called and asked me to play I jumped at the opportunity,” Dowling said. “I grew up playing with a lot of guys from Floral Park. They’re such nice, genuine people. I’m more than happy to be able to take part in helping such a great cause.”