KELSEYVILLE >> The question has come up more than a few times as the 23rd annual Record-Bee Hoop Classic boys basketball tournament continues its three-day run at Kelseyville High School.
Will there be a 24th annual tournament next December and if so, where will it be held?
That is a decision the new Record-Bee sports editor can make once he is in place. The outgoing sports editor leaves the job at the end of the month.
The Hoop Classic had a humble beginning back in 1994 when it was just another tournament in a sea of them, many of which are no longer around. The idea of former Middletown High varsity boys basketball coach Bill Foltmer, the Hoop Classic quickly became a popular event. First, it fielded an all-county lineup — all five county schools participated from 1994-2010 — and second, it was a moneymaker because of the many county rivalries. Local fans are more willing to attend a tournament closer to home than one a long distance away. Packed stands meant a big gate and while many tournaments today are only moderately successful, the Hoop Classic has been a financial winner from day one, raising thousands of dollars for the host high school’s basketball/sports programs.
The way the tournament is set up, it’s a no-lose proposition for the host school. Team entry fees pay for the officials, which is a tournament’s biggest expense, and the awards are paid for by the Record-Bee — this year’s bill was more than $1,500. Tournament programs are also prepared by the Record-Bee and they contain far more than the usual team rosters, but also a year-by-year tournament breakdown, including past All-Tournament players, MVPs and contest winners. Proceeds from the programs sold also go to the host high school along with gate and concession revenue.
While the tournament creates even more work for the Record-Bee sports editor during the always chaotic month of December when games — non-league and tournament — take place almost every day of the week, it would be a shame if the Hoop Classic disappeared. Considering how much money it makes, there is really no reason for that to happen. Even if there is a change in sponsorship, the tournament could and should continue.
Still, that’s a decision others have to make.
Shooting contests
The free-throw and 3-point shooting contests take place today. The junior varsity contests follow the first game of the day between the Lower Lake and Clear Lake JVs, tip-off time of 2:30 p.m. The contests begin shortly after that game concludes.
In the varsity division, the contests take place shortly after the conclusion of the first varsity game between Lower Lake and Clear Lake, scheduled tip-off time of 6 p.m.
If you plan on watching the contests you should probably arrive early at the Kelseyville gym because the tournament may be running ahead of schedule.
Each team can enter one player in each contest. Defending champions — provided they haven’t graduated — are automatically entered. This year those defending champions are Kyle Ellis of Kelseyville (varsity 3-point), Izzac Carver of Lower Lake (JV free throw) and Guy Boyd of Lower Lake (JV 3-point). Teams aren’t required to enter players. Middletown passed on both the varsity free-throw and 3-point contests a year ago at Middletown High School.
Awards will be presented to the winner following each contest.
