Hoopcoming Brings the Veritas Prep Community Together

The annual Hoopcoming celebration at Veritas Prep has quickly become one of the most anticipated events of the winter season, showcasing Falcon basketball at its best while bringing students, families, and fans together for a night full of energy, school spirit, and community.

Hoopcoming serves as the basketball counterpart to the school’s traditional football homecoming game and tailgate. “We want to make sure that we are giving love to our programs,” explained Athletic Director Chase Beebe. “Just showing love to our winter sports, and in particular Basketball, and just get the community out to enjoy a game.”

On the court, the Falcons delivered great performances across all levels. The JV Boys set the tone early with a 56–23 victory. The Varsity Girls followed with an impressive 55–11 win, led by seniors Valeria Salazar, who had a 24-point game, and Quinn Del Duca, who added 8 points.

The Varsity Boys capped off the evening with a commanding 70–25 win. Baylor Arnold led the scoring effort with 15 points, including two dunks, while Will Barrett added 14 points of his own, highlighted by a powerful dunk that brought a roar from the crowd.

During halftime, fans were treated to a brand-new routine from the Varsity Spirit Line, along with a special performance from the Future Falcon Spirit Line, made up of Archway Veritas students. “It’s really awesome to see,” Beebe said.

The tailgate party and food trucks added to the fun atmosphere, along with interactive moments throughout the night including a few “swag tosses” where falcon wear was launched into the crowd. Beebe shared is was to “give back to the fans and just add some fun to the environment.”

Behind the scenes, Hoopcoming was made possible by strong collaboration. “A huge shout out to Kelly Grove,” Beebe said. Grove is a strong parent volunteer who chaired both the Homecomingand Hoopcoming events.as well. Beebe credited Grove for handling logistics, with support from the Parent Service Organization (PSO) managing concessions and spirit wear sales. “So, it’s been a team effort and it’s really awesome to see,” Beebe added.

For Veritas Prep athletics, Hoopcoming represents a defining moment of the winter season. “This is the pinnacle of the year… for our winter sports and for basketball,” Beebe said. The packed stands and electric atmosphere serve as inspiration for younger students in attendance. “To get a large crowd, it just shows us what can be. For the young kids attending the game and they see all the athletes they aspire to be.”

Aside from a series of wins, Hoopcoming celebrated Falcon spirit, unity, and excellence. As Beebe summed it up, it’s “just a great community builder and, for athletics, it’s a great way for us to showcase our amazing basketball talent.”

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