On Friday, June 19, Hooplandia’s opening evening proved one for history books; the Friday Night Hooptacular, which took place on the Showcase Court, presented by Planet Fitness, is the tournament’s tip-off event. The occasion brought neck-and-neck competition to Western Mass. with a jam-packed schedule of six highly anticipated high school rivalry games.
The moment the gates of Hooplandia opened at 3pm, fans and eager players poured through check-in, itching to join in on skills challenges and shootouts and ogling at delicious food options and new merchandise designs, including an exclusive shorts collaboration with Bloodline Basketball of Portland, Conn.
Eastern States Exposition (ESE) President and CEO Gene Cassidy welcomed attendees to the festival, then introduced Lauren Fleit of Florence, Mass., who set the tone for the evening with a brilliant rendition of the national anthem. Hooplandia General Manager Drew Dawson then greeted guests with a welcome address, presenting a run of show and informing onlookers that Hooplandia is the second largest FIBA-sanctioned 3x3 tournament in the United States.
Shortly after, he and Mark Cress of Bulkley Richardson’s Executive Committee presented James Gee, President and CEO of the Springfield Ballers and coach of the Springfield Central High School girls varsity basketball team, as the honorary recipient of the Sportsmanship Award, sponsored by Bulkley Richardson. Once the opening ceremony concluded, the warpaint was on for the twelve teams going toe-to-toe in the rivalry game lineup.
The boys’ varsity basketball teams from Pope Francis Preparatory School and Chicopee Comprehensive High School last faced off in February when the Pope Francis Cardinals took down the Chicopee Comp Colts in a brutal Western Mass. Championship that concluded with a score of 63-42. Players from both teams arrived at Hooplandia ready to defend their title or smite their opponent and claim what could have been theirs this past winter—and the latter is exactly how the showdown went down, with the four Colts avenging the rest of their team and defeating the Cardinals.
Next up, the ladies of Agawam High School and West Springfield High School tangoed in a cross-town turf war; the rivalry between these neighboring towns has been tense for decades, and the Friday Night Hooptacular allowed the two teams to settle a season-long score. The West Side Terriers first defeated the Brownies at Agawam’s season opener in December of 2025, then Agawam saw their revenge realized a week later at their home court. At Hooplandia, the girls met once more, and West Springfield won the tug of war for the title of champion.
When the girls’ teams from Agawam and West Springfield wrapped up, the boys’ teams from both towns assumed place on the Showcase Court to finish what their predecessors had started. In a blaze of blue and orange, the competition ensured. When the dust at last settled, the Agawam Brownies were the last men standing, making Mayor Christopher Johnson, their most vocal sidelines supporter, a very proud town representative.
Halfway through the evening, fans who attended the girls’ Western Mass. Championship between Springfield’s Central High School and Longmeadow High School may have experienced a bit of déjà vu when the Golden Eagles and the Lancers once again clashed on the court. Hooplandia Intern Anthony Ardolino hopped on the microphone when the competition concluded to declare the Golden Eagles victorious.
Up next, the girls’ teams from South Hadley High School and Northampton High School faced off for the first time since Northampton’s two-time domination over the South Hadley Tigers this winter. Perhaps it was the months of additional practice and playtime that proved in South Hadley’s favor, but they started winning in a match against Longmeadow in February, and they had no intention of giving up their undefeated title, even with the season far behind them. They arrived undeterred by their past losses to Northampton, so they showed the Blue Devils their victory roar.
The boys’ teams from Chicopee High School and Holyoke High School then reported to the Showcase Court, presented by Planet Fitness, to close out the evening in the battle for Interstate 395. The stakes were high for both the Knights and the Pacers, as Mayor Joshua Garcia of Holyoke and Mayor John Vieau of Chicopee were co-coaching on the courtside. Ultimately, it was Chicopee that got to hoist the championship belt high over their heads as the sun began to set on the Friday Night Hooptacular.
This event sets the tone and pace for tournament weekend, which will continue Saturday through Sunday, June 20-21, as players of all ages and skillsets meet on the courts at Eastern States Exposition. The event is open to the public, and you don’t want to miss all the incredible food, special guests and more that are in store. Read up on all that Hooplandia has to offer at our website, Hooplandia.com.