In
December of 2002, the Hall of Fame made the jump into tournament sponsorship with the launch of a high
school basketball
event. Featuring four schools from the Greater Muskegon area, the goal was to
provide sports entertainment over the Christmas break, and to
create a new fundraising opportunity for the schools that
participate in the event.
Christened the Hall of Fame Basketball Classic, proceeds from
the contests are split five
ways
between the four schools and the H all of Fame.
The format includes varsity, junior varsity
and freshmen contests. Initially,
varsity games
were hosted at Mona Shores High School
that first year, and included contests between North
Muskegon, West Michigan Christian, Mona Shores and Muskegon Heights spread
over two consecutive days. Featuring NCAA Division 1 recruits Drew Naymick
of North Muskegon (Michigan State), and Eddie Spencer of Muskegon
Heights (Central Michigan), the success of the concept was quickly apparent.
Sellout crowds meant a new home for the varsity contests in year two. The Classic was moved to the spacious facility at Reeths-Puffer
High School and again "packed 'em in". On Friday, Shelby replaced North Muskegon
and on Saturday evening, the match-up between Muskegon and
Muskegon Heights attracted a huge crowd of 3,400 spectators.
Over the years of tournament action, 25 separate high schools,
spanning West Michigan and the
state, have played in the annual
tournament. Today, the Hall of Fame Classic ranks among the
longest-running Christmas tournaments in the state of Michigan. Thanks to an outstanding group of
donors and volunteers that help stage the
games, and the popularity of the event, the Classic has been able to return
well over $145,000 to help area athletic programs.
|