The first ever Empire State Takeover one-day showcase event: the inaugural Fall Showcase, which featured all of two dozen players at Skidmore in October 2015.

Things have changed a bit since then.

Nearly a decade since the humble beginnings, the number of EST event participants that have moved on to play at the collegiate level swelled over 500, and a handful have even continued their careers professionally overseas. The footprint has stretched geographically as well. In recent years, host sites have grown beyond my New York Capital District home base to places like Utica, Rochester, and even across state lines to Scranton (PA), and the spotlight stays on with events throughout the calendar year outside of scholastic season.

And in Fall 2024… all reaches will be covered.

Once a single day multi-session event, 2024 is set to bring an adaptation of the Fall Showcase with the Fall Showcase Series. Long story short, with the wear & tear of constant travel through spring/summer months, it’s become clear that many people would rather not hop in the car and continue that trend in the fall. I personally want to get eyes on as much of my coverage region’s rising talent & college prospects as possible, so that’s fine… I’ll come to you.

Instead of the traditional format, this fall features three Sunday showcases designed to cover all reaches of the EST coverage region. Unless interest level creates a change, they’ll be single session events with no more than 60 players in an environment that allows all to get noticed & evaluated. Pull up to the event in your backyard, hit the road to compete among a different crowd than usual, or do some of both (discounts will be available for athletes signing up for multiple sessions). SAVE THE DATES (all Sundays):

• September 15: 585 area code (Rochester area, NY)
• September 29: 570 area code (Scranton, PA)
• October 13: 518 area code (Albany area, NY)

Look for full info with registration to open for all events by August 15. The Fall Showcase brings the most locked in hoopers & breaks new names every year, and I think that’ll only amplify under the Fall Showcase Series. Who’s next?