HOOPLA Tips Off Thursday

The last time it was set to be in Moose Jaw a full HOOPLA tournament was cancelled due to à labour dispute.

HOOPLA is the provincial senior girls and senior boys championships it runs from Thursday March 26 - Saturday March 28.

But after years of waiting and lots of planning HOOPLA tips off this Thursday.

To be held in four gymnasiums - Peacock, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Riverview and Vanier - the tournament will see hundreds of basketball players, coaches, officials, parents and others descend Moose Jaw.

Moose Jaw Teams

For Moose Jaw there are two teams vying for a provincial championship.

The Central Cyclones senior boys will be trying to capture their record six 4A championships in a row.

The first seeded Central Cyclones boys tip off against the fourth seeded Humboldt at 4:15 pm Friday at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

The Central Cyclones senior girls are vying for the provincial 4A senior girls championship.

The fourth seeded Central Cyclones tip off against top seeded Meadow Lake at 2:30 pm Friday at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

The HOOPLA Schedule

The tournament will create a mini economic boom for local hotels, restaurants and other businesses.

Tournament play gets underway Thursday at all five venues starting at 6 pm at all five venues.

There will be a second game at 8 pm at all five venues on Thursday.

All five venues come alive on Friday with games commencing at 11 pm and continuing until 7:45 pm.

The finals - with teams to be determined - will be held on Saturday starting at 9 am and continuing until 7 pm.