HoopsFest Confirms Speakers: Native Son, Former NBA Player Johnny Moore; John James of the Newsboys

HoopsFest, the largest outdoor 3-on-3 basketball tournament in Pennsylvania, is back again for its 21st year. This year’s tournament is scheduled for Saturday, July 22. Known for its excellence in youth and adult 3-on-3 basketball, HoopsFest attracts players from across Pennsylvania and nine other states.

This year the speakers will match the excellence on the court. John James, an original member of Newsboys, is set to attend and speak along with Johnny Moore. John James joined the Newsboys as lead vocalist around 1985; he stayed with the Newsboys through 1997. John left the band while overcoming addiction and is currently a preacher in Australia. His testimony is very moving and will inspire attendees.

After starring at Altoona High and the University of Texas, Johnny Moore played ten years in the NBA, all with the Spurs. When he finished his career, he was the all-time assist leader in Spurs history, handing out 3,865 assists while appearing in 519 games and averaging 9.4 points, 7.4 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game. Johnny Moore has been dedicated to serving youth and improving the San Antonio community since joining the Spurs Community Relations team in 1993. Johnny has worked with BCFS on after-school and community outreach programs. Johnny is a Special Education teacher in the Judson Independent School District, coach and managing partner of the Alamo City All-Stars of the American Basketball Association (ABA), and Elder at Temple of Praise Church.

As an extension of HoopsFest, Moore will help conduct a basketball camp from July 24 through 26 for ages 6 to 12 at the Donald E. Witherspoon Memorial Basketball Court in Altoona. The camp is $25/player, but scholarships are available. Each camper receives a t-shirt.

HoopsFest 2023 will be held in Altoona, PA, with the theme “Elevate.” The main event sponsor is Altoona First Savings Bank.

Players can stay updated at HoopsFest.net and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

“HoopsFest continues to solidify its position as the go-to 3-on-3 basketball destination in the state,” said Founder Jim Kilmartin. “We are thrilled that, for the second year in a row, downtown Altoona will benefit from the presence of thousands of players and fans. As our region flourishes, our goal remains to foster collaboration among all communities within Blair County and the surrounding areas through youth and area outreach. 3-on-3 basketball is our way of achieving that.”

For more information on volunteering, attending HoopsFest, or the Johnny Moore Basketball camp, please email hello@centercityaltoona.com.

About HoopsFest

The HoopsFest 3-on-3 basketball tournament held each year on the 4th Saturday of July was always the largest fundraiser for Joshua House. Joshua House is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to help youth find purpose through athletics, education, and faith. Founded in 1998 by Jim Kilmartin, Joshua House was named after the biblical figure, Joshua, who led the Israelite people from wandering in the desert into their Promised Land – the place of their destiny and purpose.

This year’s proceeds benefit Arrows Christian Academy, a Christian school for kindergarten through 8th grade, and Joshua House.

Their combined vision is to see generations of young people living out all that God created them to be and do and to equip parents to raise them in a healthy and loving environment.

Arrows Christian Academy believes the next generation has God-given purpose. Children are ARROWS designed to be equipped, aimed, and released to their targets in life. The academy educates students through a biblical worldview cultivating identity in Christ, love for learning, and creativity to change the world.

Joshua House is an organization focused on helping youth find purpose in life. Being a kid is not easy. It’s common for them to face tough challenges, leaving them feeling lost, disconnected, and unprepared. Through our outreach, we hope to provide a place for youth and their families to find a sense of belonging, receive guidance from mentors, and learn the skills they need to be successful.