A basketball game between LS Hoops and CCC Pride on Court Street in front of the Oregon State Capitol during the Hoopla 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Salem’s signature 3×3 basketball tournament is getting bigger in 2022.
Hoopla will be held July 12-17 on the streets surrounding the Oregon Capitol, growing the normally four-day tournament into a six-day event, according to a Wednesday news release from organizers.
Registration is now open online, with early bird discounts through May 23. A schedule of events is also online.
The 2021 tournament drew a record 1,012 teams after the 2020 event was canceled due to the pandemic. Organizers hope to grow that number again this year.
“Each year we have a renewed energy and focus to continue to bring all involved a first-class event,” Hoopla tournament director Jason Unruh said in a statement. “Our goal after each year’s event is to evaluate how we do things and continue to make improvements. This year is no different, and we have some very exciting things in store.”
Last year’s tournament included a new free clinic for high school student athletes with disabilities. In 2022, that event will expand to include middle schoolers.
Hoopla will again include a 2×2 tournament on Friday in addition to the 3×3 games over the weekend.
-Rachel Alexander
