By Tyler Wetzler

This past weekend, Sugar Sand Park was home to the recreational Boca Hoops finals ceremonies and games. It’s a very exciting event with the younger kids starting early in the day and finishing the day with 14 and 15 year olds.

Boca Hoops is an end of summer / early Fall recreational basketball league for kids in Boca Raton up to the age of 15. This was their 29th season. The league consists of different age groups for both boys and girls with volunteer coaches. It’s a great way to play basketball and it a overall great experience for everyone involved.

The final 2 teams from each age group get the chance to play basketball in front of a large crowd like it’s a real NBA game. Every player receives a medal and the 2 final qualifying teams receive trophies, one runner up and one champion.

Before the final game for each age group, the teams get to stand center court in front of their parents as each team gets announced and the national anthem is played. The co-founder of Boca Hoops, Dr. Jody Forstot then proceeds to announce the Robert Mufson Sportsmanship Awards. Every coach chooses one player from his/her team that displayed the best overall sportsmanship throughout the season. The players get called up one by one in front of everybody. This is a big honor for the players. Additionally, the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel features all the sportsmanship award winners on their community page.  

Outside the gym at Sugar Sand, Boca Hoops representatives sell food and beverages, along with branded Boca Hoops apparel and gear.