WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – It was a night of shooting hoops and celebrating love for the game of basketball! The second annual Hooplandia kicked off in West Springfield Friday night despite moving the court inside, due to rain.
The energy was high at the Eastern States Exposition as dozens gathered for a night full of fun and friendly basketball competitions. The ‘Hooptacular’ began with some skills challenges, including a hot shot challenge and 3-point shootouts.
22News spoke with one of the coaches who expressed his team’s excitement for this weekend’s tournament. “I want to experiencing more of a tougher level to kind of get them ready as they get older,” said Palmer Basketball Co-Coach, Anthony Braden. “So we’re just here for the fun of it, the experience, and if we get a win, great. If we don’t, everyone’s still getting ice cream.”
The night also featured special performances by Harlem Triksterz Globetrotting Basketball Player ‘Showboat’ Jackson and an opening ceremony, complete with a sportsmanship award presentation.
On Saturday, there will also be a special performance by the Celtics dancers at 10:30 a.m. with a meet and greet to follow.
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Kayleigh Thomas
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