Buckets Of Fun

Thu., July 27, 2000

Story By Mike Vlahovich

The weather was perfect and the site ideal for die-hard basketball players during last weekend’s YMCA Hooop It Up 3-on-3 tournament at the Spokane Valley Mall.

Unlike Hoopfest, which is the largest 3-on-3 tournament of its kind in the country, the Valley’s Hooop It Up offered a more intimate atmosphere for athletes, with 170 teams on 19 courts.

As one spectator noted, “It’s great that you can park right at the courts. And if it gets too hot, you can duck inside the mall.”

The YMCA tournament, which helps supplement a scholarship program for low-income families and youth athletes, is growing in popularity, thanks to its Valley Mall location.

The atmosphere over the weekend was as electric and the competition as intense as its Spokane big brother.

A good time was had by all.

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