On the night of Oct.19, the men’s and women’s Moravian basketball teams celebrated the opening of their seasons by hosting the third annual Hoops Mania event in Johnston Hall.

The bleachers were packed with students, families, and the Greyhound pep band eager to support and cheer on their fellow Hounds as they begin the season.

The event was kicked off by an introduction of both the men’s and women’s players by class year. As they walked into the gym, each grade showed off their dance moves.

After a performance by the Greyhound cheerleaders, eight participants from the audience were chosen to play musical chairs, which required the contestants to dribble a basketball from half court and produce a layup as they raced back to snag a chair. Football player Nick Tone, ‘19, beat track & field athlete Melissa Cheong, ‘18, in the final round.

The teams then warmed up shooting baskets to begin the three-point shooting contest. The contest ended in a tie between graduate student Camille McPherson and Jimmy Murray, ‘19, along with Maddie Capuano, ‘20, and Nick Casazza, ‘19.

Following the three-pointers came the dunk contest, a fan favorite. Khalil Rhett dominated the contest, beating his teammates C.J. Barnes, Shon Wilson, and Elijah Davis.

The evening concluded with Coach Mary Beth Spirk being pied in the face by men’s basketball player Jimmy Murry.

“The energy in the gym at Hoops Mania was awesome and we loved having all the support from the student body,” said Danielle Brogan, assistant women’s basketball coach.  “We hope we can continue that throughout the year, because both teams are going to have great seasons, and it would be awesome to see other Greyhounds in the stands cheering us on at the home games.”

The Hounds begin their seasons on Nov. 15 by playing their rivals, the Muhlenberg Mules at home. Tip off for the women’s game begins at 6 p.m and the men’s game follows at 8 p.m. Best of luck to both teams in their 2017-2018 seasons!