SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Prevention Coalition held its second annual 3-on-3 Soaring Eagles Vape Awareness Basketball tournament over the weekend. The tournament not only highlighted local athletes but also promoted awareness of substance abuse. 

“The tournament isn’t just about basketball – it’s about building meaningful connections that can protect young people from the pressures of substance use,” said Ryan Boldman, Coordinator Soap Lake Prevention Coalition.  

This year’s tournament featured 20 teams this year compared he the six teams last year. The teams were split among four brackets, one for boys aged 13-15, one for boys aged 16-18, one for girls aged 16-18, and one for adults. 

Winners of the boys 13-15 bracket were a team out of Othello called the Ballers, winners of the boys 16-18 bracket were the Air Ballers, the girls 16-18 bracket winners were the Big Dawgs and the team that won the adult bracket was the Scuba Squad.  

“The event was a huge hit with families, players and fans alike,” said Boldman. “But beyond the trophies and friendly competition, the biggest win was for the Soap Lake community – demonstrating what can be achieved when we come together for a cause that truly matters.” 

While enjoying the support of basketball was exciting, he said that events like this are more important than ever in preventing youth substance use. He said according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that nearly one in ten middle and high school students reported current e-cigarette use in 2023. 

“Events like this tournament offer a healthy alternative and reinforce the message that there are fun, exciting ways to stay engaged without vaping,” said Boldman. 

The success of the event came from the local health and community organizations' support, he said. McKay Healthcare provided hydration and cooling areas; Columbia Basin Hospital provided first aid alongside EMTs from Grant County Fire District 7 and the Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce, and B&B Mancave provided event insurance. 

The Youth Cannabis and Commercial Tobacco Prevention Project was present at the event to share vital education on the harmful effects of vaping and provided quit resources for those in need. 

“Key financial support came from Thriving Together and the Columbia Basin Hospital Foundation, whose donations helped make this year’s event possible,” said Boldman. 

A special highlight from the tournament came from a visit from WNBA champion Lindsey Moore, he said. Moore runs basketball camps through her local Hoop Barn Academy, where she offers youth additional opportunities to stay active and inspired. 

Moore came to the event to speak directly to the youth about the importance of living vape-free and embracing a healthy lifestyle to find success in both sports and day-to-day life. 

Boldman expressed his thanks to everyone who made the event possible and hopes that the SLPC can continue to host and expand the event in the future. 

“We’re already looking forward to next year’s tournament and continuing to build momentum toward a healthier, more connected future for our youth,” he said. 

    The Othello Ballers hold up their trophies after winning in the 13-15 bracket. Ryan Boldman from the Soap Lake Prevention Coalition said this year’s tournament was a huge success for the community.
  

    The 16-18 boys team, the Air Ballers, stands together with their trophies after winning in their bracket. This year’s tournament had 20 teams participating compared to last year’s six.
  

    The Big Dawgs team stands together after becoming the champions of the 16-18 girls bracket.
  

    This year’s tournament featured an adult bracket with the Scuba Squad being the team to take home their trophies.
  

    WNBA Champion Lindsey Moore talks to the youth about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle at the tournament. She also runs basketball camps through her local Hoop Barn Academy.