Celebrating 25 years of basketball, community, and legacy at Orchard Beach, the 25th anniversary tournament of “Hoops in the Sun” (HITS) proudly tips off at Orchard Beach on Saturday, June 21, at 11.30 a.m. until 7 p.m. and continues Sunday, June 22, also between 11.30 a.m. and 7 p.m. HITS promoters said, “For a quarter century, HITS has combined elite basketball with grassroots impact, mentorship, and legacy.”

The promoters explained that HITS Inc. is a community-based basketball program/tournament held at Orchard Beach, providing recreational and leadership opportunities for youth and adults since 2000. They went on to say that it’s “New York City’s most respected and community-driven basketball” program.

The promoters are inviting the public to join them at Orchard Beach, or to watch live online, for what they said promises to be a historic weekend, adding that viewers can stream the tournament on their YouTube channel (@hoopsinthesun).

“Summer basketball is here!” said American pro basketball player Malcolm Grant. “That means it’s time for one of the best basketball tournaments in the City – Hoops in the Sun. You got some of the best players, the best coaches, the best competition comes and plays at Hoops in the Sun.”

Founded in 2000 by the late Joe “Pops” Cruz, and carried on by his sons, Joe Jr. and Randy Cruz, HITS officials said the program has evolved from a local Pro-Am league into a year-round 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers youth and families through sports, education, and community programming.

They said over 500 kids participate annually in HITS youth leagues, mentorship initiatives, and leadership summits.

“We’re celebrating more than basketball,” Cruz Jr. said. ‘This is a celebration of legacy, of family, and of The Bronx. We’re proud to continue what our father started and share this milestone with the entire community.”

HITS officials said the 25th season features custom uniforms sponsored by SNIPES and the Kyrie Irving Foundation/ANTA & Chozen Sports Wear, adding they are proudly celebrating Bronx streetball culture and community resilience.

Attendees can expect premier youth, college & pro division games, sponsor activations, community resources & giveaways, the debut of the 25th Anniversary uniform sets, ad special guests, community shout outs & live entertainment.

The free public event is open to beachgoers, families, and basketball fans of all ages. All are welcome to celebrate the past, present, and future of Hoops in the Sun.

HITS officials said they wish to thank their “generous” sponsors and partners for making this season possible, including SNIPES, The Kyrie Irving Foundation / ANTA, Macy’s, Lids Foundation, NY Yankee Foundation, Chozen Sports Wear, Prime, NYC City Council, NYS Assembly, NYS Senate, the Bronx Borough President, NYC Parks, the NYPD’s 45th Precinct, MetroPlus Health, Red Bull, the NY Knicks, and HYPE Socks.

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Welcome to the Norwood News, a bi-weekly community newspaper that primarily serves the northwest Bronx communities of Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights. Through our Breaking Bronx blog, we focus on news and information for those neighborhoods, but aim to cover as much Bronx-related news as possible. Founded in 1988 by Mosholu Preservation Corporation, a not-for-profit affiliate of Montefiore Medical Center, the Norwood News began as a monthly and grew to a bi-weekly in 1994. In September 2003 the paper expanded to cover University Heights and now covers all the neighborhoods of Community District 7. The Norwood News exists to foster communication among citizens and organizations and to be a tool for neighborhood development efforts. The Norwood News runs the Bronx Youth Journalism Heard, a journalism training program for Bronx high school students. As you navigate this website, please let us know if you discover any glitches or if you have any suggestions. We’d love to hear from you. You can send e-mails to norwoodnews@norwoodnews.org or call us anytime (718) 324-4998.