Recognized as the #2 ranked high school basketball showcase event in the nation by CBS Sports/Max Preps, it features 35 teams from eight states and two countries, playing in front of over 20,000 Fans, 100-plus members of the national media, and more than 100 Division I, II, & III college coaches at Kettering’s James S. Trent Arena. According to organizers, Flyin’ to the Hoop has an economic impact of $1.9 million to the Dayton economy over the event weekend!
Flyin’ to the Hoop is the brainchild of local entrepreneur Eric Horstman, owner of the sports marketing company Sports Image. Through his work with high schools, he founded Flyin’ to the Hoop in 2003. Initially held at Vandalia Butler High School, it moved to its current home at Trent Arena in 2008. Over its 20 years, more than 90 participants have gone on to play in the NBA, NFL or Major League Baseball!
The 2023 tournament promises to be another outstanding showcase, with some of the nation's top players and teams participating, including 10 standout Dayton-area teams. States represented include Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, West Virginia, Georgia, Arizona, Indiana and California, plus one team from Finland! The lineup includes five defending state champions, 11 Ohio preseason Top 20 teams, six national preseason Top 25 teams, 10 five-star players and 20 four-star players.
You can see a full list of participating teams and players to watch on the Flyin’ to the Hoop website.
A jam-packed weekend of hoops action kicks off on Friday, January 13, with Combine Academy (NC) versus Keystone Academy (PA) at 6:30 p.m. and Omnia Academy of Finland versus Arizona Compass Pres at 8:15 p.m. Saturday begins with a special girls basketball showcase game between Dayton-area teams Beavercreek and Springboro High Schools, followed by three full days of boys basketball action taking place January 14-15.
The full schedule of games can be found here on the Flyin’ to the Hoop website.
