House of Hoopz Ōtautahi

The contest saw finalists from eight different suburbs competing for the grand prize of $1000. 

House of Hoopz is the latest streetball competition in Ōtautahi presented by Youth and Cultural Development (YCD), the Christchurch City Council and the Selwyn District Council over the past eight weeks.

The streetball league saw great talent across each competition, which began in Shirley before heading into Hoon Hay, Belfast, Linwood, Selwyn, Aranui, Hornby and Phillipstown. Winners from these suburban tournaments then made their way down to New Brighton's half court on Saturday to play off in the finals. 

Alongside the 3x3 games, the event welcomed participants for a  'dunk' contest as well as a three-point contest. The winners of these contests won a variety of prizes including basketballs, socks, NBA sweatbands and basketball singlets.

As well as this, the Fresh Team from YCD hosted a free BBQ for players and spectators but the freebies didn’t stop there. Lulu from Lulu’s House of Braids was offering her services as well as the Barbarians who offered free fades for all young people.

A guest appearance from local artist Big Sima was made alongside DJ INFRARED, a Flava Radio Station DJ and CLUB KINGZ DJ. With the streetball league targeted at youth, YCD aimed to take away financial barriers that may arise with playing sports. 

Tommy the MC of House of Hoopz said the competition offered all young people the chance to play street sports.

“The House of Hoopz gives young people who aren’t involved in normal weekly competitions an opportunity to get involved in basketball on the street court.” 

Wrapping up for 2024, the Linwood team took home the cash prize of $1000. They will now be the team to keep an eye on in House of Hoopz 2025, promising their return.