4th Annual ARS/Rescue Rooter Tampa National Hoopfest Preview
The 4th Annual ARS/Rescue Rooter Tampa National Hoopfest ends its four-city tour on Jan. 19-20 on the campus of Berkeley Prep.
After a trio of events in Washington (D.C.), Dallas and Memphis, the National Hoopfest returns to Tampa for yet another loaded weekend.
Huntington Prep (West Virginia) and Oak Hill (Virginia) are coming down to join the likes of Montverde, IMG, Oldsmar Christian, Oak Ridge, St. Pete, West Oaks, Tampa Prep, Victory Rock and the host school Berkeley Prep.
When asking National Hoopfest CEO Travis Haddock how he’s able to put together a great slate year after year, this was his response.
“It’s completely about relationships and trust. The Oak Hill, Montverde, Huntington Prep’s, etc are all good friends,” Haddock told Prep Hoops Florida. “We have fun together and it’s a blessing they always play in our events. This year is by far the most stacked national event we’ve brought to Tampa.”
In terms of why Tampa, Haddock summed it up perfectly.
“Tampa is a beautiful city with lots of fun things to do. We all love this event, as it is the finale of The ARS/Rescue Rooter National Hoopfest Series.”
Haddock says this event has a special feel to it since it will benefit the American Red Cross for victims of both Hurricane Irma and Harvey.
Here is the schedule for next weekend’s two-day event.
Friday, January 19th
5:00 – Huntington Prep vs. Oldsmar Christian
6:30 – Berkeley Prep vs. West Oaks
8:00 – Montverde Academy (PG) vs. IMG Academy (PG)
Saturday January 20th
12:00 – Huntington Prep vs. Victory Rock
1:30 – IMG Academy vs. West Oaks
3:00 – Oak Ridge vs. Tampa Prep
4:30 – Oak Hill Academy vs. St. Pete
6:00 – Montverde Academy vs. Berkeley Prep
The senior class is loaded with the likes of No. 1 2018 prospect and Duke commit R.J. Barrett (Montverde). Kentucky commit Keldon Johnson of Oak Hill, IMG post grad guard Anfernee Simons, Oak Ridge forward Emmitt Williams, IMG senior and Kansas commit Silvio De Sousa and Florida senior commit Andrew Nembhard (Montverde) will all be in attendance.
The junior class is filled with the likes of Chol Marial (IMG), Makhi Mitchell, a Maryland commit playing at Montverde, Balsa Koprivica (Montverde), Josh Green (IMG), Josh Nickelberry (Oak Hill) and Jordan Mitchell (Montverde).
As for sophomores, Huntington Prep big man Jaemyn Brakefield is a player to watch.