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Hoops4Health 15th Anniversary

March 15th, 2025 will mark Hoops4Health’s 15 Year Anniversary. Stay tuned for different events that will be happening to celebrate this big day! We thank all who have been on the journey with us as who have supported us a long the way. We look forward to much more ahead!

1st Annual Hoops4Health Alumni Game

Hoops4Health ran its 1st Annual Alumni Game and it turned out to be an incredible event. The alumni put on a show! They all competed hard and showed what a Bulldog is all about. Many former and current Hoops4Health players and families attended. It came down to a 2pt win by the West All Stars. The West were led by big performances from Brian Conaghan and Dontia Johnson. East All Stars were paced by Adam Bulwa, Barlow Alleruzzo, and Isiah Burd.

Staff Announcements

We are excited to announce  Tyaisha Norris as our Administrator. Adam has coached and managed leagues for Hoops4Health for many years. Tyaisha, a former teacher, will be supporting staff, assisting in day to day operations, and providing customer service. 

Hoops4Health Invited to Join the And 1 Circuit Connect League

It is an honor to announce that Hoops4Health has been picked as the only Illinois team to join the top division of the new And 1 Connect League. The league will take place Spring/Summer of 2025 and have 3 National events in Texas, Ohio, and Indiana. Our 15U, 16U, and 17U National teams will compete in the league. Tryouts will take place in the west suburbs in late October.

Coach Brendan Kolton, Owner and Founder of Hoops4Health, will be heading off to California during Labor Day weekend to participate in the 94feet Basketball Certification Program which will be lead by Phil Handy, Lebron James’s trainer and recent 8 year Assistant Coach with the L.A. Lakers. The certification program will also include a number of professional NBA Trainers and NBA Performance and assistant coaches.

Hoops4Health Family Spotlight

Coach Quinn Gardner, recently got his degree in Business Administration from Lakeland University as well as enjoying his experience playing on the team. Quinn came full circle and coached the Hoops4Health 15U National West team this past season.

Coach Adam Bulwa - Hoops4Health alum who has gone on to now coach with the program. Adam graduated from North Park where he played on the team and started the last 2 seasons. He carved out a great career there helping lead the team to the NCAA D3 Tournament and a Top 25 national ranking. Adam is finishing up his Masters in Physical Therapy.

Coach Nicholas Kurowski - Another former Bulldog turned coach Nicholas Kurowski begins his third year coaching with Hoops4Health. He earned a degree in Marine Biology from UC-Santa Cruz and also has found a passion for coaching.

Coach Brian Conaghan - Brian has made a splash into coaching. He will begin his 2nd year as the JV Head Boys Basketball coach at North Shore Country Day School while also coaching at New Trier Feeder for Boys Basketball. Brian also coaches at Hoops4Health. He now works in Real Estate. Brian balled out in our 1st Annual Alumni Game in June where he lead his squad to a 2 point victory.

The Fears brothers continue to shine. Jeremy Fears Jr. (McDonalds All American) will begin his sophomore campaign at Michigan State where Magic Johnson just recently said “Jeremy has the 'basketball IQ' to be MSU's next great point guard.” Jeremy is coached by the legendary Tom Izzo. Jeremiah Fears who just came off a stellar season at Arizona Compass and ranked top 30 in the nation by ESPN will begin his freshman year at Oklahoma University under Coach Porter Moser.

Matas Buzelis (McDonalds All American) teamed up with Jeremy Fears Jr. (Mcdonalds All American) back in Hoops4Health’s outdoor 3 on 3 League. At the time Matas was a rising sophomore. He showed a special talent and flourished throughout the league. Only a few years later he is your new Chicago Bull being drafted number 11 overall. It was no wonder their 3 on 3 team went on to win the championship going undefeated.

Nojel Eastern played in the NBA Summer League for the Minnesota Timberwolves after a solid season playing in the NBA G-League for the Iowa Wolves.

Lance Jones, who was on the same team with Nimari Burnett for Hoops4Health, made for a stellar backcourt. Lance Jones recently competed with the Indiana Pacers at the NBA Summer League following an amazing March Madness run with Purdue. Meanwhile, Nimari Burnett will begin his senior campaign with the Michigan Wolverines.

Karlo Colak spent much of the summer training in his hometown of Croatia. He will begin his junior campaign at Illinois Wesleyan. He showed some big flashes sophomore season. Karlo is currently majoring in Environmental Science.

Tyler Van Gorp spent the summer training with Coach Brendan Kolton as he prepares to have a breakout sophomore season at Williams College. He is looking to have a much bigger role and will battle it out for a starting position.

Barlow Alleruzzo has completed a dream to play professional basketball as he signs his first overseas contract to play for KK Jahorina of Bosnia. Barlow recently earned his Masters Degree in Fitness and Recreation from Angelo State University.

Partrick Nwankpa currently is a Chemistry teacher at Northridge Prep and is also applying to Podiatry school to begin the process of becoming a Foot Doctor. Patrick graduated from Loyola with a degree in Pre-Med.

Teddy Smith recently graduated from Ohio State and is now working at the Ohio House of Representatives as a Legislator Aid. He’s also studying for the LSAT with the goal of starting Law School in the next 1-2 years.

Jackson Munro will begin his Junior campaign for Dartmouth where he’s been a big contributor with a breakout sophomore season.

Damion Porter Jr. had a breakout summer picking up multiple D1 offers including UIC and Northern Illinois among others. He will begin his senior year with Romeoville High School.

Makai Kvamme guided DePaul Prep to back to back IHSA Class 2A Championships. Makai has proven to be one of the most efficient point guards in the state. He will do everything he can for Depaul Prep to 3 peat his senior year. He also recently picked up a Division 1 offer from Western Illinois.

Tolu Samuels helped Triton College to the NJCAA Division 1 National Championship game. Tolu will come into his sophomore campaign as the go to player. He will be one of the top JUCO players in the country as they try and compete for another run to the championship.

Amare Edwards lead Phillips to back to back IHSA Class 1A Championships. He will come in as one of the toughest guards in the state and one of the top shooters as well.

Bo Stevenson came off a stellar senior season at North Shore Country Day despite an early season injury. Bo will be headed to the University of Virginia this upcoming year. He also has been coaching the Little Ballers class at Hoops4Health.

Howard Williams skills have stood out from a young age. He is really hitting his stride after a stellar freshman season at Whitney Young High School. He has been collecting multiple D1 offers including and offer from Illinois. He will be transferring to Oak Hill Academy for his high school sophomore season.