By Cait Kemp
@caitlinkemp09
The 2023 Spalding Hoophall Classic will once again be an event that showcases the best of basketball while honoring its beginnings. As the buses arrive on campus and drive down Alden Street, the next generation of the nation’s best basketball players will pass under the arch that reads, “Welcome to Springfield College – Birthplace of Basketball.”
Some of the best NBA and WNBA players competed at The Spalding Hoophall Classic when they were in high school. Kevin Durant, Elena Delle-Donne, Anthony Davis and Jayson Tatum all played on the same court in Blake Arena that the next generation of future pros will grace from Jan. 12-16.
It is a special trip for everyone involved. Those traveling from far away get the once- in-a- lifetime opportunity to visit the birthplace of basketball. Each team has the chance to visit the Basketball Hall of Fame and walk through the timeline of history that allowed them to get to where they are now. The Hoophall Classic provides a full-circle experience, encompassing not only the competitive aspect of playing the best of the best, but also the chance to appreciate the rich history behind the sport of basketball.
The 2023 Hoophall Classic, per usual, will welcome the top teams and players from across the country, including several returning schools. IMG Academy (FL), Sunrise Christian Academy (KS), Sierra Canyon (CA) and Montverde Academy (FL) are among the top programs that continue to come back to play at the Birthplace year after year.
“I think the Hoophall is one of, if not the biggest high school event of the year because 10, 12 of the best high schools in America play on the same weekend,” Montverde coach Kevin Boyle said. “As a basketball fan or college scout or NBA fan, there are really few places that are better to see the better kids in one weekend and also see them against each other.”
Montverde has been a long-standing participant at the Hoophall Classic, attending since 2013. Its consistent presence shows why Hoophall is such a special event.
Boyle not only wants to compete at a high level and showcase his team’s talent, but also take the time to soak in the history of Springfield and its impact on the game.
“It’s something you try to educate the kids on, because I don’t know if, when you’re young, you’re that much into history,” Boyle said. “I think some kids are thinking about how the NBA was established, how basketball was established, who were the people that were the cornerstones of it becoming such a great sport and … [who] make it continue to shine. You want to educate the kids on that and understand what you love and where it came from, and pay homage to some of the people responsible for it.”
Although the event features teams from across the country, local teams also have the opportunity to compete at Hoophall and represent New England – including Springfield Central High School (MA).
Springfield Central typically competes at the Hoophall Classic – usually playing multiple games over the long weekend. The Golden Eagles are unique in that they are both local, as well as skilled enough to compete with top schools from other areas of the country.
“I think, first and foremost, we’re fortunate and excited about having the opportunity to represent our area. You have one of the biggest tournaments in the country, if not the biggest tournament in the country, right here in your backyard,” Central coach Bill Watson said. “You definitely want to have some teams from this area representing the city, the region, the state. We’re happy to be one of those teams that are in there annually, and it means a lot to the kids as well.”
Photo from Springfield Student