There is a new facility in town that is changing basketball in the state of Arizona, like never before. The new Inspire Courts, located in Chandler, Arizona, is the first of it's kind - a 52,000 square feet state of the art multi-purpose facility. The Inspire Courts recently opened its doors on June 12,2012 and has not looked back since.
Inspire Athletics is owned by Mike and Greta Clark, a couple who felt that building the facility was truly necessary during this time and for the East Valley. With another facility currently located in the West Valley, the Clarks felt it made sense to bring their facility to the East Valley where their kids currently attend high school.
With a concentration on basketball and volleyball, the facility features seven regulation basketball courts, volleyball courts, and a fitness center. The facility is also highlighted by the presence of former Phoenix Suns players; Eddie Johnson and Frank Johnson, owners of 2 J Basketball Academy. The former NBA duo provide basketball training in the facility.
This weekend, Inspire Courts hosted a basketball tournament for many different ages - boys and girls - the Rise Above Shoot-Out. I was in attendance for some of the action on Saturday and caught up with many players and fans in attendance. Everyone that I spoke with was very excited about the facility and the opportunities it has brought to the East Valley.
"This is a great place for the community,' said Nicki Kirby, mother of Basha HS 6-foot-10 senior post Maurice Kirby . "The kids really enjoy it and there is nothing else like it."
Many of the top prospects from the East Valley were in participation on Saturday including top-rated 2013 prospect Jaron Hopkins of Dobson HS, and also top-rated 2014 prospects Isaac Allen of Mesa HS and Kodi Justice (Arizona State commit) of Dobson HS. With boys and girls basketball teams of many different ages in play on Saturday, the gym was filled with basketball players, spectators and also an eating area that served a lot of good food for the fans in attendance.
I will be highlighting several prospects from this weekend's event this week on the Arizona Preps site. Stay tuned.
For more information and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.inspirecourts.com.
