Hoops Madness returns to Chestnut Hill

Posted 3/16/23

After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, hundreds of community members packed Springside Chestnut Hill Academy’s Vare Field House to celebrate the return of Hoops Madness.

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Hoops Madness returns to Chestnut Hill

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After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, hundreds of community members packed Springside Chestnut Hill Academy’s Vare Field House to celebrate the return of Hoops Madness last Saturday – bringing more than 300 players, ranging in ages from 5 to 65, lined the courts for a day of 3-on-3 games. 

Since its origination in 2013 by then CHCA President, Brien Tilley, Hoops Madness has been more than just another basketball tournament. And it was clear that there was something special about this year’s event – the positive energy and excitement in the gym was boundless. 

“From day one, our focus has been to use basketball as a platform to grow our community, build friendships and memories, and show our kids the importance of volunteerism,” said Tilley. “At the same time, we are proud to have created an event that welcomes kids of all skill levels and challenges them appropriately while having fun.”

The list of community sponsors and participants is a long one. 

Anne McNiff, Executive Director of the CHCA, was greeting guests, Abbey Orozco (Top of The Hill Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry) was one of many working the event check-in desks, Dr. John Scanlon, Chief Medical Officer at Temple Chestnut Hill Hospital, was taking time to engage with kids and parents as he prepared to play, and Matt Paul and Ryan Ansel, owners of Next Play Basketball, were huddling with their coaches (who also volunteered) to prepare for the games ahead. 

That amazing team effort resulted in fun for all. 

“So fun to bring Hoops Madness back to the Hill,” said Paul. “To see former players volunteer as referees was as rewarding as seeing the newest players sweat and smile on the low hoops. It was a great morning of competition mixed in with some fun and games.”

“What makes the community of Chestnut Hill unique is that people care,” said Scanlon. “Congratulations to Brien and the CHCA for bringing hundreds of people together for the annual Hoops Madness event.”