Buckets & Bragging Rights: Highlights from NUCA's 5th Annual Pop‑A‑Shot Tournament!

The 2025 Pop-A-Shot Hoop Shoot tournament is officially in the books, and it certainly provided an exhilarating experience filled with excitement and competition. Participants gathered to showcase their shooting skills, and there were ample opportunities for bragging rights as the action was popping throughout the event!

NUCA proudly hosted its 5th annual Pop-A-Shot tournament on March 26th at Nashville North. The atmosphere was electric, with spectators cheering on their favorite players, creating a lively and supportive environment that added to the overall excitement of the day. There may have been some Bi-County rivalry showcased with Justin Hauge from Copenhaver and NUCA Eastern Washington North Idaho's executive director Sheri Nowlan. Contestants displayed impressive shooting techniques, quick reflexes, and strategic gameplay (and just a smidge of poor sportsmanship🤣), all of which contributed to an engaging spectacle for both players and onlookers alike. There were ample opportunities for participants to connect with one another, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among the basketball enthusiasts. Overall, the 2025 Pop-A-Shot Hoop Shoot tournament was a resounding success, leaving participants and spectators alike eagerly anticipating next year's event.

The annual Pop-a-Shot Hoop Shoot tournament has become a member favorite and benefits NUCA EWNI's legislative advocacy efforts. Social hour started at 4pm with cold drinks and another wonderful catered meal from White Pine Catering a local Post Falls company specializing in catering corporate events and luncheons.

This year's event was a smashing success with a packed house of over 36 participants eagerly competing for top prizes. We are absolutely thrilled to shine a spotlight on our incredible Premiere Sponsors - PRESIDENTIAL ACI, Marsh McLennan, Vermeer Mountain West, Western States CAT, and White Diamond; and SUPERINTENDENT Modern Machinery and Pape Machinery. You amazing sponsors are the heartbeat of our events, and we couldn't achieve this level of success without you. If you're interested in having your company showcased at NUCA events as a Premiere Sponsor, reach out to Sheri Nowlan at sheri@nuca.com!

🏀✨ Slam Dunk Alert! Participants battled it out all evening, but in the end there can only be one champion—and Todd Stoddard from Western States came out on top! Congratulations, Todd!

Runner-up Lance Roberg from NPL gave it his all and nearly hit the game-winning shot. Props to Wade Hammond (Western States), Justin Hauge (Copenhaver), Eric Lambert (Western States), and Marshall Sampson (Inland Infrastructure) for rounding out a hard-fought top 6. Word on the street is that Western States has a hoop set up in their break room—with weekly company competitions!🤣🤣 Maybe that’s why their players are always on fire! 🔥

2025 Pop-a-Shot Hoop Shoot Champions!!