City Discontinues League After 3 Shot Following Ferris World Basketball Tournament

WHITE PLAINS, NY — A basketball event that has nearly four decades of history has been dissolved by the city, after gun violence on the streets.

White Plains Public Safety says that on Thursday, around 10:15 p.m., a shooting took place in the parking lot entrance of 295 Church Street.

A group of people had an altercation after leaving the Ferris World Ball basketball tournament at Gardella Park, and over 20 shots were fired, according to police.

In a joint statement on Friday, Mayor Thomas Roach and Beth Bricker, the Commissioner of Recreation & Parks, said that the tournament will not go forward.

"The Championship game of Ferris World Ball that is scheduled to be played at the County Center this Sunday has been cancelled," the officials said. "While we recognize this will disappoint many, the safety of the public is our priority."

The officials also announced they are permanently discontinuing the street ball league, something that was already under consideration before the shootings.

"The mission of the Recreation and Parks Department is providing recreational activities for residents of the City of White Plains," the statement reads. "The men's basketball league over the years has grown into a regional draw outstripping the capacity of Gardella Park and the neighborhood it serves. Attempts to mitigate the impact including moving the final game to the County Center have not brought relief. Discussions on discontinuing the league were already underway, last night's events have accelerated the process."

An 18-year-old male, a 21-year-old male, and a 22-year-old female, all from the Bronx, were injured Thursday night, according to police. All three had non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to local hospitals.

The White Plains Police Detective Division is investigating the shootings and is working with the victims, residents, and other law enforcement agencies.

Anyone with information about the incident is being urged to contact the White Plains Police Department by calling the Detective Division at 914-422-6200, or clicking the "Submit a tip" button on the top header of the White Plains Public Safety website.