November 9, 2012
A total of 49 high schools sending a record number 91 ball clubs will converge on the campus of North Central Missouri College next month for the 8th annual High School Holiday Hoops. Considered the largest high school holiday basketball event in the state, the North Central Missouri College Foundation hosts the event with all games played at the Ketcham Community Center on the college campus. The ten-day event begins on December 19 with games continuing through December 22, resuming on December 26 with play through December 29 and concluding on December 31 and January 2, 2013.
Forty-eight of the high schools will come from Missouri with one school travelling from Council Bluffs, Iowa to participate. The first Kansas school to be among the teams was contracted earlier but was forced to withdraw due to scheduling conflicts under Kansas State Activities Association rules.
Hoops chairman Steve Maxey says this is the most aggressive the event committee has ever been in recruiting schools with more interest than ever from northwest, north central and northeast Missouri. “A 13-member committee has been meeting monthly for the entire year to make preparations for what many consider one of the most exciting marketing opportunities for the local college as well as the economic impact on the community,” says Maxey.
“Over 250 volunteers will be needed to assist with the daily operations and those interested in participating should contact the NCMC Foundation Office at 359-3948 (ext. 1415) to offer support,” Maxey said. “We could not host such an event without the tremendous support of community partners who serve as team hosts, clock operators, score keepers, and front desk managers. The event has gained national recognition in both the number of teams that participate as well as the number of volunteers who step forward to assist in delivering a great event.” Maxey is confident the support will be there once again.
A complete schedule of the games will be announced soon by the hoops steering committee.