SPOKANE, Wash. — Anyone who laced up their shoes to compete in the world’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament will tell you that winning a Hoopfest bracket is far from easy, and it took Jake Childers years to claim that crown. This weekend, the Post Falls car salesman is driving towards his fifth Hoopfest championship.
“I always wanted to win, and it took a while,” Jake said. “I’ve won four times total…since second grade.”
Jake said his second-grade team name was ‘the rainmakers.’ This year, the 28-year-old is taking the streets of Downtown Spokane with ‘the half court hotties.” Returning with him are the teammates Jake won with in 2023.
“We were able to win last year, all the way through the winners bracket, so we decided to team up again and do it all over,” Jake said.
Among his teammates is Andru Prado, who also grew up watching Hoopfest and answered the call to compete at a younger age.
“I was going to Hoopfest a lot as a kid with my family,” Andru said. “I’ve met so many people and friends from basketball…I don’t think I’ll ever stop playing basketball.”
Andru added that he and his teammates share great chemistry on and off the court.
“We’re all bros,” Andru said. “Last year we went 5-0 and had a great time. Whether we win or lose, we have fun.”
Jake said there’s a lot to love about Hoopfest that keeps him returning to the street courts for decades now.
“Just the thrill,” Jake said. “It’s so fun to come out and compete and get to show your skill set in front of people all around the area.”
Not just the area, but far from it too. Jake said he’s enjoyed playing athletes from as far away as Mississippi and Texas, and always looks forward to the new competition he’ll face.
Jake and Andru’s team won all of their Saturday games and will continue their drive towards a Hoopfest championship on Sunday.
Jake adds that he plans to continue playing Hoopfest as long as his body will allow, hopefully into his 60’s and beyond!
Here on NonStop Local, we’ll be continuing to share your Hoopfest stories, testimonies from athletes around the world, inspiring players, heroes on the sideline, and more. Happy Hoopfest!
