The Boothbay Region YMCA puts its new scorer's roost to use for the first time Friday afternoon, March 8 during the opening games of the 34th annual YMCA Classic junior high basketball tournament.

The 32-foot-long roost above the basketball court replaces the 16-foot-long roost, which would sometimes get crowded during the basketball season. It would get even more crowded during the Classic as the scoreboard operator, two scorekeepers, a laptop operator and video camera operator would be trying to work in the small space.

The best news about the new Y feature is that it was built using volunteer labor, with donated materials from Hammond Lumber.

“We wish to thank Hammond Lumber and manager Harold Buzzell for their generous donation,” said Neal Verge, who is a “retired” YMCA executive. Verge has also been the main director of the Classic for many years.

Verge also wished to recognize several other people who were instrumental in getting the roost built.

The main contractor was Scott Bennett, designer was Bill Haney, work coordinator was Rose Rivera, the metal work (braces and ladder) was provided by Mike Tomacelli, the electrical work was done by John Jecker, and Bill Burge of Hammond Lumber worked with the YMCA on the supplies for the roost.

Helping Bennett construct the roost were Bob Hasch, Dick Crocker, Eddie Crocker, Austin Crocker, Richard Teague, Jonn Trees and Andy Hamblett.