Raptors fever has helped push registration in today's fifth annual Mann Dental/P.G. Summer Hoops Classic three-on-three basketball tournament to an all-time high.
But more than anything, it's the fun factor that's convinced 150 high-school aged kids to lace up their high-top sneakers and put on their best moves in a day of intense action on the courts at Duchess Park gymnasium.
Thanks to social media campaign kickstarted by one of the 24 sponsors, marketing agency BLVD PG, the tournament is more prominent than ever in the minds of the kids and their families who will fill the stands and surround the courts in the all-day event.
"The buzz this year is unlike any other year," said tournament organizer Nav Parmar. "We've got a record number of sponsors and a record number of participants - 150 is the most we've ever had, we had 132 last year.
"Of course, the Raptors being in the NBA final doesn't hurt."
Parmar patterned the event after existing outdoor three-on-three tournaments in Vancouver and New York City. He's got the word out to the surrounding region and teams from Terrace, McBride and Quesnel are entered, broadening the horizons throughout northern B.C., and that's helped convince more sponsors to jump on board with prizes and offers to help run the tournament.
For graduating Grade 12 students, the Hoops Classic is their last chance to renew old rivalries.
"The kids look forward to it every year," Parmar said. "At the high school zone championships you hear them talking about it - We'll see you at the three-on-three tournament' - and that's why it's so competitive.
"In the last five years it's become part of Prince George basketball and every year we're looking for ways to make it better. When you walk in the gym with the music on and you see them playing on all six courts, it's a fun atmosphere you don't see very often."
Geared to students in Grades 8-12, the tournament branches into three divisions with eight teams of girls, 14 of senior boys and 10 in the junior boys category. After the opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m., games start at 9 and will continue on six courts leading up to the finals at about 6 p.m. Each team is guaranteed three round-robin games with the top eight teams advancing to the playoff round.
The event is a fundraiser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation with each player paying a $25 entry fee. Parmar says this year's tournament will push the five-year total raised to more than $50,000.
"For five years we've been able to give back to the community and that's what makes this better," said Parmar. "It goes beyond basketball."
