SOLEDAD — City of Soledad Parks and Recreation hosted its first-ever Holiday Hoopfest basketball tournament last month.
Four teams participated in the tournament, which was held at the Soledad Community Center on the first weekend of December.
Members of the Soledad Parks and Recreation Cheer Team, coached by Alyssa Esparza and Amber Claudio, kicked off the event with a performance.
The cheer squad sparked great energy throughout the gymnasium, which was filled with family members and friends who were there to root for their favorite basketball players.
The Dec. 3-4 tournament began between the Ringers and Wayman United, followed by Early Morning Rysers versus Avengers. The Ringers and Early Morning Rysers came out victorious on opening night.
The following day consisted of four total games, with the Ringers ultimately taking it all.
“It was an exciting day of basketball as many of the games came down to the wire, but in the end, the Ringers ended up taking bragging rights as the first annual Holiday Hoopfest champions,” said Michael Perez, the city’s recreation coordinator.
The Ringers walked away with championship T-shirts, and their team photo was presented on Soledad Parks and Recreation’s social media outlets.
“All athletes walked away with the experience in participating in a sport they enjoy, as well as memories which will last a lifetime,” Perez said. “If you are in search of starting the New Year right, take a visit to the Soledad Community Center. They have a list of exciting programs which suits for all ages.”
