The second Air Capital Hoopfest, a competition between four of the top boys high school basketball teams in the country, is set to return to Wichita, Kansas on Feb. 15-16, 2024. Sunrise Christian Academy, Visit Wichita and the Wichita Sports Commission are excited to announce this year’s broadcast partners, ESPNU and ESPN+.
Josh Howell, vice president of sports development at Visit Wichita, says the two-day basketball showcase is a great opportunity for Wichitans and basketball fans across the country to see top-notch talent and high-quality basketball. “Whether fans plan to see the action in person or tune into ESPNU and ESPN+ to watch these great teams, we’re excited to partner with Sunrise Christian Academy, Wichita Sports Commission and Friends University to host this sporting event in Wichita,” he said.
Those who want to see the basketball action in person can purchase tickets online at visitwichita.com/air-capital-hoopfest. Adult single day ticket pricing starts at $10 plus fees.
Rob Ramseyer, vice president of athletics and strategic expansion at Friends University added, “Friends University is pleased to be chosen as the host site for the 2024 Air Capital Hoopfest, and we look forward to an energetic and high-level atmosphere inside our newly renovated athletic facility.”
Operated by Paragon Marketing, the two-day boys basketball showcase will feature four teams: Sunrise Christian Academy, Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, Utah), Veritas Academy (Los Angeles, Calif.) and Link Academy (Branson, Mo.).
Schedule
Feb. 15
- 5 p.m. on ESPN+ – Veritas Academy vs. Wasatch Academy
- 7 p.m. on ESPN+ – Link Academy vs. Sunrise Christian Academy
Feb. 16
- 4:30 p.m. on ESPNU – Wasatch Academy vs. Sunrise Christian Academy
- 6:30 p.m. on ESPN+ – Link Academy vs. Veritas Academy
Several players set to compete at Air Capital Hoopfest have committed to play at the collegiate level. From Sunrise Christian Academy, David Castillo has committed to Kansas State University and Jeremiah Green and Spencer Ahrens have offers from multiple colleges, including University of Kansas, Kansas State University and more. Labaron Philon of Link Academy has committed to University of Kansas. Others with commitments are Jalen Shelley, Link Academy, University of Arkansas; James Brown, Link Academy, University of North Carolina; and John “Juni” Mobley, Jr., Wasatch Academy, Ohio State University.
Sunrise Christian Academy is the only Kansas team participating in the event. “We are so excited to bring together the great basketball city of Wichita, Sunrise Christian Academy and other talented teams to compete under the same roof at Friends University,” said Kyle Lindsted, head coach for Sunrise Christian Academy.
Kevin Jenks, president/CEO of the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission added, “The Air Capital Hoopfest is one you won’t want to miss. We are lucky to have a school in Wichita, Sunrise Christian Academy, competing in this competition. We’re thrilled to root for them in this year’s Air Capital Hoopfest and can’t wait to see the crowd at Friends University cheering them on too.”
Complete details about this year’s Air Capital Hoopfest can be found at visitwichita.com/air-capital-hoopfest.
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About the Visit Wichita
Visit Wichita markets the Greater Wichita area and advocates for the city as a destination, increasing travel and tourism as a key economic driver for the city, county, region and state. Visit Wichita is led by president and CEO Susie Santo, and in 2022 travel and tourism contributed more than $1.5 billion in economic impact to the greater Wichita area.
About the Wichita Sports Commission
Since 1997, the Wichita Sports Commission has facilitated more than 650 events in the Wichita area with a combined economic impact of over $550 million. The Sports Commission also owns and operates annual events including the: Prairie Fire Race Series, NBC Baseball Foundation and NBC World Series, the Greater Wichita Sports Banquet featuring the Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award, Wichita Corporate Challenge and annual Wichita Turkey Trot. The Sports Commission provides the experience and expertise in sports marketing and event management that has established the region as a sports destination.
About Athletics at Friends University
Friends University Athletics seeks to provide a holistic experience for its students-athletes. Our goal is to provide an environment where our students graduate, cultivate their character, explore and/or grow in their faith, engage in our community, and win.
About Paragon Marketing Group
Paragon Marketing Group is a corporate consulting agency specializing in sports, entertainment and cause-related sponsorships. Paragon has collaborated with ESPN over the past 18 years to deliver over 700 live high school sports telecasts featuring many of the top teams and players in the nation. Paragon collaborates with ESPN on the ESPN High School Basketball Showcase, GEICO High School Basketball Nationals and others.
