Organizers brace for Hoops for Life

With only a handful of days remaining before the 2nd Annual Hoops for Life 3-on-3 basketball tournament, most of the teams have already locked up their slots for the big show, but organizers are still expecting that there will be a rush of squads scrambling to sign up at the last minute.

According to event coordinator Jojo Cramer, the organizers are already more than halfway toward reaching their goal of 16 teams, but they are anticipating a late rush of entries that may put them over the top.

“As of now, we have about 10 teams officially registered, but I am pretty certain that there are about 10 more that will be signing up. So many have told me they have a team but haven’t gotten their forms in yet, so I am projecting 16 or more teams.”

According to Cramer, 16 teams would be perfect for the organizers because they can schedule double elimination bracket tournament, but the players will be able to compete in pool play of more trios register.

“It’s going to be a great weekend with some great hoops, I am sure, as there are some of the island’s best coming out for the event, said Cramer.

The Pacific Islands Club is joining with Gatorade, the Hyatt Regency Saipan, Hard Rock Café, and Joeten Enterprises to sponsor the basketball-athon, and to express the hope of a future free from the pain and loss associated with cancer.

The opening tip-off for the island wide event is this Saturday, April 30, at 9am upon the courts in San Antonio, but organizers will delay the start to accommodate last-minute entries. All of the fast breaks and shake n’ bakes continue through Sunday, May 1.

“There is such a passion for basketball on this island that we thought a tournament would be the ideal opportunity for a lot of fun and fundraising” said tournament coordinator, JoJo Cramer.

Last year’s tournament raised almost $700, and according to Cramer, the hope is to more than double that this year at $1,500.

To register for the hoop-athon, simply pick up an entry form at the Pacific Islands Club at either the Front Desk or Information Counter. The cost to lace up the kicks and show off the skills is $50 per team before April 22, and $60 per team there after.

Teams must have a minimum of four players on their roster, and are limited to a maximum of five.

There will be both a men’s and women’s divisions, and winners stand to take home a portion of the wide variety cash and prizes awarded to the top teams in each division. Hoopsters will also receive a t-shirt, drinks, and waterpark passes (for the days of the tournament only) with their entry fees.

Food and drinks available for sale throughout the tournament as well as originally designed Hoops for Life t-shirts, and LIVESTRONG bands—with all proceeds to be donated to the Marianas March Against Cancer event.