Inaugural Hoopfest = success Published June 29, 2012 By Brandice J. O'Brien Staff Writer TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- As Oklahoma City Thunder fans anxiously watched and awaited the NBA Finals outcome, Tinker basketball lovers participated in Hoopfest, a recent low-key, recreational basketball tournament. Held June 15 at the dorms basketball court and hosted by the Dormitory Council, the morale-building event consisted of 15 teams playing in a double elimination three-on-three tournament. Officials said approximately 130 people were there, including participants, fans and volunteers. "The event went off without a hitch," said Anthony Fleury, Hoopfest organizer and Airman Dormitory leader. "I have talked to numerous participants after the event and they all agreed this was a well-run and fun event. They said this inaugural event needs to be an annual event." For an entry fee of $30 per team, participants received a T-shirt. The top four teams received medals and cash prizes. The top four finishers were: Team Mitchell in first place, Team Franklin in second place, Navy in third place and Cavaliers in fourth place. Additionally, there was a barbecue with free drinks, snacks and fruit available to attendees, compliments of donations from four sponsors. "For me, it was just an amazing opportunity," said Raymond Alvarez, Hoopfest creator and organizer, and a dorm chief. "There is nothing better than getting a team of friends together and going to play basketball all day. We were able to put together an event that let people come out, forget about day-to-day stress and being away from their families and just do something that they love."