Basket-Brawl Sinks Action Into the Hoop-La

Among the amenities at the posh Sports Club/Irvine is an indoor basketball court that sees plenty of action, both physical and verbal.

Club trainer Michael Cicchetti has decided to put some of the trash talking to the test with a two-day tournament, “Summer Basket-Brawl Weekend,” to rate individual skills in three areas. The event is open to non-members.

“A lot of people here talk a big game,” Cicchetti said. “What we’re saying here is, ‘OK, you can talk the game, but can you play the game?’ ”

The event will be held Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. First up is a one-on-one tournament, in which Cicchetti hopes to emphasize skill over height. A three-second limit will be enforced under the basket, “so the big guys can’t just back the little guys into the key and shoot over them,” Cicchetti said.

Height won’t be as big a factor in the two remaining competitions. One is a three-point shooting contest modeled after the one held in conjunction with the annual NBA All-Star Game. Participants will be given a time limit (probably 30 seconds, although the rules are still being ironed out) in which to shoot and make as many three-point baskets as possible.

Finally, there will be a free-throw competition, in which players will test their prowess from the foul line. Best of 15 wins it.

Because the club’s basketball-playing contingent is mostly male, the “Basket-Brawl” competition is geared to men, but women are invited to sign up. As an incentive, Cicchetti has lined up sponsors for prizes including athletic shoes, meals at local restaurants, massages and tickets to sporting events.

The cost of the tournament is $30 for non-members and $25 for members. A $10 late fee goes into effect today, but Cicchetti said he will waive it for anyone who mentions reading about it in this column. The entry fee includes tickets redeemable for two beers at the club. Cicchetti said he hopes to make the weekend event annual.

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Flat and fast is how organizers describe both the 5K and 10K courses for the Spirit of Irvine run, scheduled for Saturday morning. Entry fee is $18, which includes a race shirt (a portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Orange County).

The event will start at the Irvine Medical Center, Alton Parkway and Sand Canyon Road. Race-day registration will be from 6 to 7 a.m.; the 5K run/walk will start at 7:30 a.m., and the 10K will start at 8 a.m. A non-competitive run for children 10 and under ($8, including shirt) will start at 9 a.m.

What: “Summer Basket-Brawl Weekend.”

When: Saturday and Sunday.

Where: Sports Club/Irvine, 1980 Main St., Irvine.

Whereabouts: From the San Diego (405) Freeway, exit north at Jamboree Road and turn right immediately at Main Street. The club will be on the right.

Wherewithal: $25 members, $30 non-members.

Where to call: (714) 975-8400, ext. 6255.

* RECREATION LISTINGS, Page 27