It was a family-centered Hoopfest as we enjoyed a weekend in downtown Spokane both volunteering and having some fun.

Our 2024 Hoopfest experience started on the WSU Spokane campus as we caught the shuttle that took us to downtown. Sloan scoped out the brand new Cougar Pride statue.

Our main contribution to Hoopfest 2024 was running one of the 425 courts that comprised the event. After last serving as a court monitor in 2015, I was back to volunteer in the same capacity this year. Sidney returned as my scorekeeper and assisting her was someone who wasn’t even alive the last time we volunteered at Hoopfest—Sloan.

Saturday afternoon, we posed for a photo after we finished the games on our court.

The three of us worked together to provide a smooth experience for the adult male: over 40 years old/over six-foot competitive bracket we were assigned to. I was impressed with the caliber of play. The players who graced our court were there because they love the game and the opportunity to hoop it up with their teammates. It was genuinely fun to watch them play their hearts out while working with Sidney and Sloan to provide all players in our bracket the best experience possible.

Sloan got her photo taken with her favorite player from our bracket, Learon Mayes. Everyone at the court, but especially Learon, treated Sloan really well.

I have experienced several times the camaraderie and respect that develops between a court monitor and the teams in the bracket, but to allow Sidney and Sloan to get a taste for it was really special. The guys loved talking with Sidney and they treated Sloan like a princess. It was a pleasure going on the tournament journey with everyone placed on our court.

Sidney and Sloan pose for a photo during Saturday morning of Hoopfest 2024.

Now there was something a little quirky about our court. It was just an eight-team bracket. Because of this, we were done by 1 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday. This allowed us to experience Hoopfest beyond our court assignment on Spokane Falls Boulevard. For example, both days we sat in the shade in Riverfront Park near the food vendors and ate lunch. It also allowed us to watch other people play basketball…

We had the opportunity to watch the re-configured team I was part of last year play a game. The St. Mary Squad became an all-male team after Amy and I decided to step down this year. Ryan and J.J. returned with newcomers Jacob and Reese filling our spots. We saw them come up just short during a game on Saturday afternoon. Although I was not part of the team in terms of the roster, it didn’t stop me from acting like it as I cheered my heart out and stood with whoever the player on the bench was. My boys ended up making the consolation championship!

I was happy I got to watch the St. Mary Squad play (from l-r: Reese Polen, Jacob Bambock, JJ Nazzaro, and Ryan Andrade).

Then there was my brother. Glen’s bracket got way behind so even though we arrived in time for his 3:30 p.m. game, it didn’t start until probably 75 minutes later. No matter, his court was conveniently located right next to David’s Pizza. We were able to pop inside and cool off. Let me tell you, those couple beers I had sure hit the spot. Making it even more convenient was the fact that a large open air window peered right onto my brother’s court so we could keep track of all the action. Unfortunately they would fall in that game as well as the consolation championship game I watched them play on Sunday afternoon. Man, am I bad luck or what?

Sloan and Glen pose for a photo. Sloan is inside David’s Pizza and Glen is right outside it, just feet away from his court.

Just a couple other things from Hoopfest 2024: Beau got to come with us on Sunday. My kids collected way too much swag from the various vendors throughout the weekend. There was a big downpour on Sunday afternoon while watching my brother play. We randomly ran into people we knew throughout the two days, resulting in some awesome conversations.

Beau and Sloan are all smiles at Hoopfest on Sunday morning.

What another great Hoopfest made even more special because of the people I had the pleasure of spending it with. Put it on your calendar, folks, Hoopfest 2025 will be held June 28-29. Don’t Blink.