Several teams with strong ties to Kootenai County and the broader North Idaho Panhandle region made the trip to Spokane over the weekend to compete in Hoopfest, the 37th annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament that draws competitors from across the Inland Northwest. From Post Falls High alumni to North Idaho Christian standouts, local athletes represented their communities on the outdoor courts.
Local Teams Take the Court
Among the area squads drawing attention was FC Buckets, a team that featured Bryan Chase, the longtime boys basketball coach at St. Maries High School. FC Buckets faced off against the Blizzard Ballers, bringing a dose of coaching experience and competitive edge to the tournament floor.
The Bricklayerz Union squad brought North Idaho Christian school basketball roots to Hoopfest, with the team featuring both former and current players from the North Idaho Christian girls basketball program. Danica Kelly and Chelsey Cate were among those suiting up for the squad, which faced OG Hoop Squad in their opening-round matchup.
Post Falls High School was well represented through the Friends team, which included recent Trojan graduates Isaiah Naylor and Jaxon Lysne. The two young players from Post Falls opened their tournament run against a squad called Slavic Slums.
The Wild Kittens, featuring Khepri Wood, squared off against What Up Cuz in second-round action, while the Swoosh Sisters — with Aida Stanley on the roster — took the court against Omak Highlights in a consolation game matchup.
Hoopfest’s Place in the Inland Northwest
Now in its 37th year, Hoopfest has grown into one of the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournaments in the world, annually transforming downtown Spokane’s streets into a sprawling outdoor basketball complex. The event draws amateur and recreational players from throughout the region, with North Idaho communities consistently sending strong contingents across the state line. For many participants, Hoopfest represents a rare chance for recreational athletes — from high school players and coaches to community members of all skill levels — to compete in a well-organized, festive environment just a short drive from Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, and Hayden.
The tournament’s longevity speaks to the basketball culture deeply embedded in North Idaho and eastern Washington alike. Teams are organized by age group and skill division, allowing players ranging from youth competitors to seasoned veterans to find their bracket and take their shot at a championship. The mix of squads this year was no different, blending competitive athletes fresh off high school careers with experienced coaches and longtime players still hungry for time on the hardwood.
North Idaho’s Basketball Community on Display
The participation of multiple Kootenai County-connected teams at Hoopfest reflects the health and depth of local basketball programs throughout the region. St. Maries, Post Falls, and North Idaho Christian all have well-regarded athletic traditions, and events like Hoopfest give players and coaches a chance to extend their competitive seasons beyond the traditional school calendar.
Community sports events also play a broader role in connecting residents across the Idaho-Washington border region, reinforcing the shared culture that makes the Inland Northwest a distinct sporting community. Whether it’s a recent Post Falls grad testing himself in open competition or a veteran coach squaring off against younger squads, Hoopfest provides a platform that few other regional events can match in scale or tradition.
The Innovia Foundation, which supports community organizations across North Idaho and Eastern Washington, has long recognized the value of events that bring residents together — something Hoopfest exemplifies. The foundation recently distributed more than $1.3 million to 125 organizations across the region, highlighting the deep civic investment that makes events like this possible.
What Comes Next
Results for all divisions were being tallied following the conclusion of Saturday’s games. Teams that advanced through bracket play would continue to compete for their respective division titles. For North Idaho athletes, Hoopfest offers more than just a weekend of competition — it’s a tradition that many players return to year after year, building friendships and rivalries that stretch across the Panhandle and into Washington State.