Along with a handful of highly ranked teams from across the country, the 2025 version will include eight Dayton-area teams: Alter, Dunbar, Lebanon, Wayne, Centerville, Valley View, Beavercreek and Fairmont.
The Knights won it all in Division II last season and are one of four Ohio defending state champions in the field, joining Cleveland St. Ignatius (DI), Cleveland Heights Lutheran East (DIII) and Richmond Heights (DIV).
While Alter is set to play Louisville (Ohio) in the final game Saturday night, Dunbar plays Lebanon in the first game Saturday (11:30 a.m.) followed by Wayne against Garfield Heights at 1:15 p.m.
On Sunday, Fairfield will take on Akron St. Vincent St. Mary to open the day, and Centerville will face Reynoldsburg in the nightcap at 6:30.
Elks coach Brook Cupps said the Pirates are one of the two or three most talented teams in the state.
“You would be hard-pressed to find very many prep schools across the country that can match their athleticism and skill set across their roster,” Cupps said. “We will certainly have our hands full as they are able to put 7-8 guys on the floor that are all capable of scoring at a high level. Our focus will need to be on doing our stuff at a very high level and being very connected at both ends of the floor.”
Coming off four straight trips to the Division I final four, the Elks were 4-3 at the start of the new year but have won three of their last four entering this week and climbed to the top of the tightly packed GWOC standings.
“Our team is beginning to embrace our individual roles and pour into the group,” Cupps said. “Consistency is the fight for this group, as it is for most. We’re improving with our understanding of the importance of not only every practice, but every possession. As that continues to improve, I’m hopeful we can be playing our best basketball at the right time of the season.”
On Monday, Valley View plays Margaretta at 3 p.m. followed by Beavercreek-Pickerington North at 4:45 p.m. and Fairmont-Lakota West at 6:30 p.m. in the final game of the event.
Action starts Friday night with Dynamic Prep of Texas taking on Richmond Heights.
After that, the nightcap will be Prolific Prep of California against Compass Prep from Arizona.
After originating at Butler High School in 2003, Flyin’ to the Hoop has been held at Trent Arena since 2008.
“Playing in the FTTH is always an honor and something our players consistently look forward to,” Cupps said. “There is always great competition and we’ve been fortunate enough to have been paired with some of the best teams in the country over the last few years. We’ve played in several similar events but the atmosphere at FTTH is easily the best. We’re grateful to be included in it again this year.”
For Saturday, Sunday and Monday, tickets are $20 for general admission or $35 for reserved seats, and an all-event pass is available for $65 (general admission) or $120 (reserved).
Tickets for Friday are $10 or $20.
Tickets can be purchased online at FlyinToTheHoop.com.
About the Author
