The Launch, hosted by Alamo City Hoops at the Missions Concepcion Sportsplex in San Antonio, Texas, lived up to its name this past weekend (March 22nd-24th, 2024). With a total of 70 teams competing across various age divisions, the event offered a thrilling platform for young basketball players to showcase their skills and vie for college scouts’ attention. However, Day 1 saw an unexpected turn of events, highlighting the immense pull of a particular team: RWE.
RWE Mania Takes Over Day 1
The Launch’s opening day witnessed a phenomenon unlike any other. The much-anticipated presence of the traveling team, RWE, generated a buzz that transcended the usual excitement surrounding youth basketball tournaments. The sheer volume of spectators eager to see RWE play caused a logistical challenge. With 18 games slated for the day, the influx of fans for the RWE game specifically resulted in the Missions Concepcion Sportsplex reaching capacity. Alamo City Hoops staff, faced with the need to prioritize safety and ensure proper crowd control, had to make the difficult decision to stop admitting attendees at the door.
This incident wasn’t an isolated occurrence. News reports suggest similar crowd surges have followed RWE in past tournaments. Their ability to attract such large audiences speaks volumes about their talent and reputation within the basketball community. While the unexpected crowd size on Day 1 caused a temporary disruption, law enforcement swiftly intervened to ensure order and maintain a safe environment.
Smooth Sailing for Days 2 & 3
Thankfully, Days 2 and 3 of The Launch unfolded seamlessly. The Alamo City Hoops staff, displaying remarkable adaptability and professionalism, addressed the Day 1 hiccup and ensured the remaining games proceeded without a hitch. All 59 teams participating in the event had the opportunity to compete fairly and showcase their talent in a well-organized setting.
Undefeated Dominators in the 17U Division
The 17U division saw several teams rise to the top, maintaining an undefeated record throughout the tournament. These champions deserve recognition for their impressive performances:
• United Elite (3-0)
• SABO Blue (4-0)
• SA Hoops Elite AM (4-0)
• Next Level Raiders Elite (4-0)
• McAllen Ballers (3-0)
• DBA Blue (4-0)
A Big Thank You to Alamo City Hoops
Super Sports Media extends its sincere gratitude to the entire Alamo City Hoops staff for putting together a fantastic event. Their dedication to providing a platform for young athletes, coupled with their ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances, makes The Launch a truly remarkable tournament. We look forward to witnessing even more exceptional basketball talent at future Alamo City Hoops events.
Introducing the Super Sports Media Shining Stars, a group of outstanding young athletes chosen from the games we had the pleasure of witnessing. While we couldn’t catch every match this weekend, these players stood out in the ones we did see.
