The Cook County boys basketball program is working toward its fundraising goal as it prepares for one of its favorite community traditions. As of Monday, the GoFundMe campaign to support Hoopin’ in the Harbor has raised $600 of its $968 target, with funds designated for two new portable shatterproof basketball hoops.
Head Coach Keaton Riley said the annual three‐on‐three tournament has become a central part of the program’s fundraising efforts, especially during the current school construction project. The gym space typically used for summer events is unavailable, possibly leaving the program without two of its usual fundraisers: the Alumni Game and Youth Camp.
Hoopin’ in the Harbor takes place on the Saturday of Fisherman’s Picnic in front of Sven and Ole’s on Wisconsin Street. Riley said the event predates his tenure, though it paused during the transition year before he took over in August 2022.
Last year the tournament drew 52 participants. Teams of three, capped at four, play round‐robin games to 11 points using ones and twos before moving into a single‐elimination bracket.
“Usually gets a big crowd to watch, so it’s a lot of fun,” Riley said of the event that is open to all ages, though brackets depend on turnout.
The fundraiser focuses on replacing equipment that has not survived the demands of outdoor play. Riley said the program has gone through seven hoops in four years, all of which eventually shattered.
“As time goes on with these kind of cheaper hoops, the sun will make that material very brittle,” he said. “Just regular shots have actually shattered the backboards. Last year, right in the middle of our tournament, both of our hoops broke.”
The breakdown forced a scramble to keep the event going.
“Luckily, we had somebody that was local that was very generous to donate their hoop,” Riley said. “We literally had 10 people get in my truck, go up the hill, board up this huge, heavy basketball hoop and then bring it back downtown. And we were able to finish our tournament with that hoop.”
The GoFundMe seeks to purchase two Lifetime Model 90600 shatterproof hoops, which Riley hopes will last for years if stored out of the sun. He said durable equipment is essential not only for the tournament but for the program’s broader needs.
“There’s basic equipment needs that every program would need,” he said. “But obviously with our travel schedule, we have probably more overnight trips than anybody else in the state. The funds go a long ways into hotels and food and things like that.”
Registration for Hoopin’ in the Harbor opens at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 1. Participants can sign up on site for $15 per person. The tournament begins at 9:30 a.m. with two games running at a time.
Riley said the event remains one of his favorite parts of the year.
“This Hoopin’ in the Harbor is definitely a highlight of my year,” he said. “I look forward to it. Our kids that have been through the program that I’ve had the privilege of coaching are well aware of this event and they show up as well.”
He said the program also stays active in other community events, including the Lutsen 99er, but Hoopin’ in the Harbor remains a highlight.
“It’s a fun community event,” Riley said.
The team’s GoFundMe fundraiser is under Support New Hoops for Hoopin’ in the Harbor 2026. For questions about the fundraiser or the event reach out to Keaton Riley at 507-951-9713.
