Hoops tourney to aid families

Students from Gonzaga University, Whitworth College and the surrounding area will compete in the sixth annual Aprilfest Shootout, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament that raises money for charity.

Games are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, in the COG parking lot on the GU campus.

Tournament organizers hope to raise about $1,000 for HOPE for COAP, an organization for strengthening families and child mentoring programs.

More than 24 teams will participate in women’s open, men’s competitive, men’s recreational and co-ed divisions, competing for pride, T-shirts, prizes and a good cause.

A Gonzaga University student started the Aprilfest Shootout six years ago to capitalize on a love of basketball and to benefit the community.

The Knights, a sophomore student service organization at GU, has volunteered to help with the tournament. This year’s co-directors are Laralee Howard of Whitworth College and Nick Questad and Jense Flaherty of Gonzaga.