On Saturday March 29th, Highland Oaks Church of Christ welcomed some rather unusual groups to their large parking lot:  Banana Slammas, Dunkin’ Donuts, Blue Sharks, Three Muskateers, Baby Belugas, Pink Ponies, Doughboys, Laffy Taffy, Dominators, Patriots, Mixed Ghetto, Eagles and even Teletubbies.  It was the 5th annual Hoops In The Highlands, and about 575 kids, ranging from 1st graders to 8th graders, took to the courts.

The three-on-three basketball fundraising event, group hosted by Lake Highlands Junior High, and Lake Highlands, White Rock, Northlake and Wallace Elementaries, has grown in popularity since its founders, Scott and Lisa Johnson, initiated it back in 2002.  According to Lisa, “We had a record number of 1st grade teams this year - 17 - which is double the amount in that division from last year.  This is a strong indication that the tournament will continue to grow.”

While the cooler weather meant a few less cold drink sales, it didn’t in any way hinder the 144 teams that competed.  Each grade level was separated into divisions, both boys and girls.  And while play was intense, some teams certainly had an edge on their opponents by virtue of some very creative names.  No surprise that in the 7th grade boys’ division, the ‘Purple Cobras’ took first place and some pretty tough 2nd grade girls, calling themselves ‘Buff Barbies’, went home with a 3rd place trophy.

But Hoops wasn’t all basketball all the time.  Throughout the 12 hour event, a variety of school groups took to the stage provided by Jack/FM and performed.  ‘Ambition’, an LHJH rock band, was a particular crowd pleaser - and not just with the 7th and 8th graders.  Parents were picking up the beat as well.  For the younger crowd, the Fun Zone was again a favorite and the inflated giant slide had a constant line.     

Continuing a strong tradition of community support, local businesses like Herb’s Paint & Body Shops, Wal-Mart, Highlands Cafe, Republic Title Lake Highlands Office, WaMu, Hudson-Rush Company, Greg Greenberg, DDS, Picasso’s, Mariana’s Hacienda, Applebee’s, Juice It Up, Primo Brothers Pizza, and Moisan Remodeling, Inc., as well as some returning national sponsors, were again generous to Hoops.  Thanks to their support, the five schools will split the 30K raised this year.

Also playing a big part in the success of this event were the many volunteers who handled everything from coaching to selling concessions to set up and tear down to sound mixing to manning the Fun Zone.  2009 Hoops Chairs Doug and Tammy Williams are looking forward to their turn at organizing the event.  Says Doug, “It’s exciting to see so many in our community turn out for a great day of basketball, food and fun.  I loved seeing all the homemade jerseys, the smiles on kids faces, and the opportunity to talk to friends in the neighborhood I’ve not seen in awhile.  This years committee did a terrific job putting this all together and I’m really looking forward to next year.”   

This years tournament was just a little bittersweet for the Johnsons though.  “Hoops has become such a strong tradition in our community and this was our 8th grade son Brodie’s last Hoops as a competitor.  But we hope to see many Hoops in the Highlands graduates return and help on the courts in the coming years!”