For the sixth consecutive year, Hope International University is hosting the local High School Basketball Summer League. This summer, 16 local high schools are participating in the league that runs from June 16- July 16. Players from 13 varsity teams, 10 junior varsity teams and 10 sophomore/freshmen teams compete each Tuesday and Thursday in HIU's Darling Pavilion.

“This annual event is a great opportunity for HIU to serve and connect with local high school athletes and their families, as well as to showcase our facilities and atmosphere directly to local talent,” said HIU’s Head Basketball Coach, Bill Czech. “Each summer we host over 200 teens and their families, which means that over the years, literally thousands of people have visited our campus for this event. It’s an excellent way to raise awareness of what HIU has to offer right here to our neighboring communities.”

"Through our summer league, high school students get access to a safe, high quality, local arena where they can build their basketball skills by playing competitive games with teammates from a variety of school," commented HIU Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach, Jonathan Clasen. "Students receive outstanding instruction on the fundamentals of basketball from some of the best high school coaches in the area. Most students are excited to play on a college campus with the potential to be seen by some college coaches," Clasen continued. The league was started 20 years ago by Coach Czech and is run by him and Coach Clasen.

John Turek, HIU’s Athletics Director, added, “The players, coaches, officials, and parents all enjoy the outstanding quality of our facilities. The opportunity to play here, rather than on blacktop or a non air-conditioned gym, provides an ideal experience for these kids and really cultivates a love for the game. And because our location is close and accessible, we annually draw from well over a dozen local High Schools.”

The 2015 Summer League participants include:

• Beckman High School
• Brea Olinda High School
• Canyon High School
• El Dorado High School
• El Modena High School
• Esperanza High School
• Fullerton Union High School
• La Habra High School
• La Serna High School
• Savanna High School
• Sonora High School
• Sunny Hills High School
• Troy High School
• Tustin High School
• Villa Park High School
• Yorba Linda High School

For more information about HIU’s athletic teams and programs, go to hiuroyals.com.

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