Basketball: fast breaks, rebounds, amazing shots, and buzzer-beaters…but also a wonderful force for good when it comes to several local high school basketball teams in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. On January 11th, 2025, the Ridge High School boys’ basketball team hit the court at Roselle Catholic High School not only for competition, but for a cause. The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children (SFIC) hosted its annual Founders’ Hoopfest, which unites some of New Jersey’s most talented high school basketball teams in a tournament to raise funds for tuition assistance scholarships for children in need.
Since launching in 2004, the SFIC Founders’ Annual Hoopfest has been devoted to increasing educational opportunities and widening access for students who might not otherwise be able to enjoy a quality education. This year’s event raised a grand total of $111,450 to support partial tuition assistance scholarships to underprivileged students attending Archdiocese of Newark schools.
With over 530 spectators cheering in the stands, five teams battled it out on the court—including Roselle Catholic, Seton Hall Preparatory, Oratory Preparatory, Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child, and Ridge High School (the only non-archdiocesan team in the mix). Many of the athletes competing were SFIC scholarship recipients themselves.
Additionally, academic excellence was recognized at the event: SFIC celebrated student-athletes with the highest grades on each team.
Game 1—Girls Teams
Roselle Catholic High School: Gabriella Brown
Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child: Betsy Burton
Game 2—Boys Teams
Roselle Catholic High School: Chibueze Onwuzuligbo
Seton Hall Preparatory: Dylan Guzzardo
Game 3—Boys Teams
Oratory Preparatory: Julian Stauffer
Ridge High School: Quinn Dashefsky
Dr. Michelle L. Hartman, SFIC’s CEO, says: “We love hosting the Hoopfest every year because it gives us the chance to put the spotlight on our talented students. It also helps people realize that many of these athletes might not have had the opportunity to play for their schools without the tuition assistance SFIC provides. Our scholarships open up a world of possibilities, and the more support we receive, the more young people we can help achieve their dreams.”
The impact of SFIC’s work is undeniable. Over the years, the Hoopfest has featured future NBA stars like Kyle Anderson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist! With every ticket sold, every basket made, and every cheer from the crowd, this event continues to change lives—one scholarship at a time.
Want to support SFIC’s mission? Learn more about how you can help at sficnj.org. [1]
Sources
[1] Basking Ridge Athletes Help Raise $111K For Inner-City Children