Recovering Economy, National Exposure Help Local Tournament

By Wendy Osher

Lahaina Civic Center, Photo courtesy Wayne Seaman.

A combination of island exposure and a recovering economy were identified as positive contributing factors for a growing high school boys basketball tournament taking place this week on Maui.

A total of 18 teams from Hawaii, the US, and Canada are competing in the 3rd Annual Lahianaluna Invitational (formerly the Christmas Classic)–up from just eight teams last year.

“It’s partly because of the improving economy but also because of the reputation and exposure we’re receiving,” said tournament spokesman Dan Williams.

Williams sited national television coverage from the recent EA SPORTS Maui Invitational college event held in November, and the natural appeal of Maui, as main selling features. “We couldn’t ask for better advertising,” he said.

“It creates a great buzz on and off the island,” said Michael Jokovich, General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, of the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational.  The hotel hosts teams from the college event each year.

“We work hard to ensure the visiting teams, fans, boosters, and media enjoy a true Aloha experience and want to return,” said Jokovich.

The upcoming high school tournament hosted by Lahainaluna includes participation this year from five California teams, one team each from Washington and Utah, and three teams from British Columbia. There are a total of six teams from Maui island, and one each from Molokai and Hilo.

The Lahainaluna Invitational takes place December 19-22, 2011 at the Lahiana Civic Center.  For the complete schedule and lineup, visit our previous post at: Lahainaluna Invitational Tips Off Before Christmas.

*** Fans can follow tournament results on the tournament facebook page by entering the search for: “LUNA Nation-Lahainaluna Basketballl”.