Hoopla Event a Major Success for Adults and Kids (VIDEO)

Basketball fans from all over the state closed down Court Street for the tenth year in a row.

Photo and video by Tim King Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - The grand-daddy and largest by far of all of Oregon's three-on-three basketball events, the Hoopla, is the basketball competition in Salem that closes the street in front of the state capitol each year.

It was in full swing Saturday, and in addition to the great basketball, Hoopla 2008 features many things for Oregon’s youngsters, including their free Kids Clinic and a number of contests.

Gerald Moore of Portland, Oregon is one of the players who has graduated from college and is now seeking to begin his career as a professional basketball player. He says the significance of the role model is not to be overlooked, and he says a large number of kids are staying out of trouble every day by vesting time in sports.

This was the event’s 10 year anniversary. Players say sharing their personal stories with younger players can have an extremely positive effect. Another player from Portlant, Jalonta Martin of Portland, is another Oregon player who has honed his skills to a high level.

Towering players like these two men, who are cousins, bring a special message to kids in the process of having a great time, and that is that paying attention in school and staying out of trouble allows young people some incredible opportunities.

Organizers say Hoopla is a family festival filled with basketball competition, community camaraderie, assorted and sundry bragging rights, and an all-around good time.

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