PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- The Pittsfield Hoop Club continues its long-standing tradition of supporting local student-athletes and celebrating the city’s rich sports tradition with the announcement of the Class of 2019 Scholarship Award Recipients.

 

Since 1998, The Pittsfield Hoop Club has contributed more than $85,000 to local student-athletes through their scholarship program. In addition to investing in the future of local student-athletes, the organization is also devoted to recognizing former players, coaches, and contributors to the game. Five senior basketball players, who are set to graduate this month from Pittsfield High School and Taconic High School, are being recognized by the Pittsfield Hoop Club – with each student receiving a $500 scholarship to be allocated to their post-secondary education.

 

“We are pleased to award these scholarships," club president John McLaughlin said. "The scholarship program has been a core part of our mission since The Pittsfield Hoop Club was founded close to 20 years ago. It’s gratifying to support these particular students in such a direct way.”

 

The Pittsfield Hoop Club scholarships are awarded at a time when the average annual college tuition hovers around $10,000 at public universities and $35,000 at private colleges, which does not include room, board, and other expenses. Kevin Codey and Tim Carroll, the Pittsfield Hoop Club Scholarship Committee co-chairs, noted the body of work that the annual scholarship recipients possess. 

 

“We are recognizing the achievements of students from the City of Pittsfield who have found academic success, who have experienced athletic success, and who are well-aware of the positive role they play in our community outside of the classroom and off the playing fields," Codey said. 

 

“These are high-quality kids who are going to represent Pittsfield well long after they graduate from our local high schools," Caroll said. "Each of this year’s scholarship recipients are pursuing tremendous opportunities at the next level, and we are proud to lend our support in trying to make pursuing their goals and dreams more affordable,”

 

The Class of 2019 Pittsfield Hoop Club Scholarship recipients include: Carter Matthews, Pittsfield High School, UMass-Amherst; Joseph Cracolici, Pittsfield High School, Holy Cross; Seyvon Kouao, Pittsfield High School, Western New England University; Quintin Gittens, Taconic High School, MCLA; Quincy Davis; Taconic High School, MCLA.

 

In addition to the Pittsfield Hoop Club Scholarship Program, the Hoop Club also hosts a variety of other annual showcase events that further support the mission of the organization. The Hoop Club’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony takes place each December and recognizes players, coaches, and teams who have significantly contributed to the city’s basketball history. The Hoop Club Classic, a varsity high school basketball tripleheader, is also held each winter in an effort to showcase local teams and fundraise for the mission of the organization. 

 

In the past, the organization has also hosted community partnership events featuring guest speakers and notable basketball personalities. Past guests have included Boston Celtics legend K.C. Jones, Marist College Head Coach Mike Maker, former NBA player Chris Herren, and NBA Hall of Famer “Satch” Sanders.  Throughout the year, the organization also hosts a variety of other fundraisers in support of the scholarship and Hall of Fame programs.

 

For additional information about the Pittsfield Hoop Club, the scholarship program, or the Hall of Fame nomination process, please contact Tim Carroll (413) 464-1825 or John McLaughlin (413) 822-6752, or visit the Pittsfield Hoop Club Facebook page.