UNDER-19 BASKETBALL STARS SHINE IN FRONT OF CAPACITY CROWD AT HOOPSFIX ALL-STAR CLASSIC

- Next generation put on a show in front of 1500 people in Crystal Palace -

LONDON, 30 May 2022 - The next generation of basketball stars from the UK starred in front of a 1500 capacity crowd at the 2022 Hoopsfix All-Star Classic in Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The invite-only event, organised by the Hoopsfix Foundation, has the backing of global powerhouses Jordan brand and Foot Locker, and will use the proceeds from the day to reinvest back into British basketball.

Quinn Ellis, who is from Sheffield but plays professionally in Italy, was the biggest winner of the day, being crowned champion in the Foot Locker 3-Point Contest and claiming MVP honours in the Under-19 Men’s game with a 15 point, nine rebound, eight assist outing.

“It was amazing to be here, to be a part of it, and play with guys I don’t get to play against being in Europe” Ellis said. “It was a great event to showcase the best of British basketball talent.

“The fans were incredible. It was a once in a lifetime experience, they brought it for 40 minutes, cheering and shouting to get behind us.”

Welsh prospect Issy Bunyan starred in the Under-19 Women’s game, finishing with 14 points, six rebounds and two steals in just 16 minutes of action having played a key role in the pivotal run in the third quarter.

“It feels great, I’m very shocked,” said Bunyan post-game on receiving the award.”The game was very fun and I really enjoyed it. We just needed to pick up our defence and then our offence would come.”

Meanwhile, Sheffield’s Charles Okafor took home the Foot Locker dunk contest, showing off his athleticism with a 360 windmill and a take off from a foot inside the free throw line.

“It feels amazing, genuinely feels amazing,” Okafor said. “I’ve worked hard all year. I want to shout out to all my guys in Sheffield, my coaches, my family, everyone that has helped me get here.”

Foot Locker 3-Point Shootout

Winner: Quinn Ellis

Under-19 Men's Game:

Team Black 85-96 Team White

MVP: Quinn Ellis

Box score.

Foot Locker Dunk Contest

Winner: Charles Okafor

Under-19 Women’s Game

Team Black 61-79 Team White

MVP: Issy Bunyan

Box score.

To find out more about the Classic, which is sponsored by Jordan, Foot Locker, Molten, Sportserve, 5or6 and Always Ballin' visit https://hoopsfixallstarclassic.com 

ENDS

EDITORS NOTES

About Hoopsfix

Launched in 2010, Hoopsfix is the UK’s largest basketball media platform, attracting tens of thousands of visitors a month and with over 80,000 combined followers across all social media platforms, as it covers British basketball at every level with news, videos, features and interviews.

You can find more information at Hoopsfix.com

About the Hoopsfix All-Star Classic

With the first event being held in 2014 at Brunel University, the Hoopsfix All-Star Classic has become the premier showcase of up and coming British basketball talent.

Moving to Brixton in 2015, the event has sold out every year, whilst being live streamed to a global audience, inviting the top Under-19 males and females to battle it out against each other in All-Star games, along with a 3-point shootout, dunk contest, and a kids clinic and coaching clinic.

With many past players now having gone on to professional careers, as well as representing the Great Britain Senior National teams, the Classic has cemented its status as the number one place in the UK to see the stars of tomorrow all competing in the same place, at the same time.

You can find more information at Hoopsfixallstarclassic.com

About the Hoopsfix Foundation

Founded in 2014 but officially incorporated as a Community Interest Company (C.I.C.) in 2016, the Hoopsfix Foundation C.I.C. is a not-for-profit, whose sole mission is to grow and raise the profile of basketball in the United Kingdom.

You can find more information at hoopsfixfoundation.org

Resources:

Images -  - please credit Hoopsfix/Mansoor Ahmed for any use.

For any sharing on social media please use the hashtag #HASC22

For interview requests email Nick Rewcastle from New Reach PR - nick@nr-pr.uk or 07429 134 342/01273 031 632, for images, videos or other assets email sam@hoopsfix.com.