2018 Hoopsfest Preview

In 1994, Gulfport Athletic Director Bryan Caldwell and former St. Stanislaus Head Boys Basketball Coach Jay Ladner started a triple-header at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum known as Hoopsfest. Since then it’s more than doubled in size.
Tomorrow marks the 24th annual showcase featuring a seven-game slate, comprised of 12 local teams and two other reigning state champions.
In the early wave of games, it’s Moss Point vs. West Harrison, D’Iberville and Pass Christian, Picayune against St. Martin and Pascagoula taking on Bay High.
In the nightcap, buckle up for Gulfport-Ocean Springs, Harrison Central versus defending 5A state champion Laurel, Biloxi jumping off with defending 6A state champion Meridian and finally the three-point shootout at 8:30 p.m.
Here’s Gulfport Head man Owen Miller on what’s shaping up to be yet another star-studded event. “The venue for one, you’re in the Coast Coliseum and there are games all day. Our kids and kids across the Coast and throughout Mississippi look forward to being able to compete in Hoopsfest. It’s been great for our program, and it gives you – it’s very similar to the arena that you’ll play in in Jackson if you’re fortunate enough to make the State Tournament. So it’s late in the year, gives you an opportunity to play in a big environment that you’re not used to and kind of prepares you. It’s something that the players really enjoy and talk about years and years to go.”
Caldwell is in his second stint as Hoopsfest director, following the retirement of former Pass Christian Head Boys Coach Buddy Kennedy.