Members of the Mighty Monarchs basketball team are pictured.

Northern Chautauqua Catholic School (NCCS) is proud to announce the 22nd annual Noto-Smith Basketball Tournament, a beloved regional tradition that brings together student-athletes, families, and supporters from across Western New York. This year’s tournament promises to be one of the most exciting yet, highlighting more than two decades of spirited competition, sportsmanship, and community pride.

When Peg Smith returned to teach at St. Mary’s school in Dunkirk, now Northern Chautauqua Catholic School, she not only came to work where her three children attended, but the very same place where she received her Catholic Education. Mrs. Smith continued her commitment to the school and became Principal for four years.  Her devotion to Catholic education and especially this school, now the ONLY Catholic school left in all of Chautauqua County, was demonstrated in many ways, most especially, her love for basketball, which she always supported.  

Peg chose Jim Noto, our Tournament Founder, to coach the Boys’ Basketball team and even help to establish a girls’ basketball team.  Coach Noto retired in 2008 after 29 years of dedicated and award-winning service. This unassuming “Coach” could often be found in his corner courtside seat, watching the Monarchs compete. Coach’s thousands of volunteer hours that spanned three decades is the legacy he leaves behind and one we try to emulate.

A 40-game basketball season for Coach was the norm; he would travel anywhere to get his boys a chance to compete. He also worked a portion of his life with special needs students. Oftentimes, Coach would pile NCCS players in his van and hit the road for a game and occasionally have a special needs student along for the ride, interacting with the squad. The trips included pizza on the way home. Coach Noto pushed his players hard, to be better basketball players, teammates, students and most of all better people. And in the end he hugged them all. Coach James G. Noto passed away in 2022, prompting the renaming of the tournament to include both Noto and Smith. 

While the tournament showcases athletic talent, its purpose reaches far beyond the basketball court. All proceeds directly support the continuation and mission of Northern Chautauqua Catholic School — the last remaining Catholic school in Chautauqua County. Funds raised help preserve the school’s commitment to providing a faith-based, academically strong education for children from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

“The Noto-Smith Tournament is more than a series of games; it represents who we are as a school community,” said NCCS principal, Paul Pinto. “Each year, families, alumni, and supporters come together to cheer on our students while ensuring that NCCS can continue to thrive for years to come.”

In addition to exciting matchups, spectators can look forward to concessions, raffles, and opportunities to learn more about NCCS and its programs. The school encourages alumni, parishioners, and community members to attend and show their support.

The tournament will be held over three days, Dec. 4, 5 and 6 at Northern Chautauqua Catholic School, 336 Washington Avenue, Dunkirk.

For more information about the Noto-Smith Basketball Tournament, sponsorship opportunities, or NCCS enrollment, please contact Northern Chautauqua Catholic School at (716)366-0630.