SPOKANE, Wash. – Local youth basketball players are taking center stage on this year’s Hoopfest poster, creating lasting memories and excitement in the community.
Ten-year-old point guard Charlie Betts shared his enthusiasm about being featured, saying, “It feels great. I mean, everybody can see you.”
Charlie expressed how significant this moment is for him. “I’ll have that for years and years, I mean family members will look at that smile, it’ll be great.”
Joining Charlie on the poster is his brother, Henry Betts. The brothers practice together regularly.
“We have a court in my backyard practice there all the time,” said Charlie.
Henry, who is 12 years old, is no stranger to Hoopfest. This will be his fourth year participating. He enjoys the competitive nature of the event.
“Especially Hoopfest because you get to choose your team and play the entire two days,” Henry said.
The anticipation for Hoopfest is palpable for Henry.”Every day of every year,” he stated, looking forward to the event.
Another young athlete, Memphis Nilson, is also featured on the poster. A dedicated basketball player, Memphis has been playing since preschool.
“Ever since, like, preschool. I played play with my cousin Max,” he said.
Memphis was thrilled to be included on the poster, a dream come true for him.
“It was crazy because I always hang up the hoopfest poster in my room and the second I knew, I was so excited,” Memphis said.
Maxwell Nilson, Memphis’s cousin, also agreed to be on the poster. Memphis’s dad reached out to Maxwell’s dad with the idea.
“He said, how would maxwell like to be on the poster, and I got pretty excited,” Memphis recalled.
Adding to the excitement, Gonzaga coach Mark Few joined the boys on the poster. He even brought his Olympic medals to inspire the young athletes.
“After the photoshoot, he left and came back with the ring from the Olympic championship and the metal, we got to hold that,” Memphis shared.
With Hoopfest just around the corner, the boys are eagerly practicing for the big event.
“It’s an amazing experience each year and I’m looking forward to it,” said Memphis.
