Hundreds expected to play in Sandy hoops tourney

SANDY — Mike Killpack has made an extraordinary impact on Utah youth sports, creating Super Leagues, Spring Fling basketball tournaments and introducing the state to AAU competition.

Killpack is technically in retirement, but he's attempting to add to his legacy. He is the man behind the Big Mountain Jam, a big basketball tournament coming to the South Towne Expo Center later this month.

"I think it's something Utah needs," Killpack said. "We'll have some pretty good basketball."

The inaugural Big Mountain Jam will be held June 29-July 3. It will feature teams ranging from third-graders to adults playing in a church league. The best basketball being played will be in the boys and girls high school varsity divisions, featuring traditionally strong teams such as the Lone Peak and Olympus boys, and the Bingham and Springville girls.

The registration deadline for interested teams is Monday. For information on how to enter, visit bigmountainjam.com.

Killpack left the state after creating numerous successful youth programs as Salt Lake County's recreation center facility director and area sports director. He then worked in the national AAU office in Orlando, Fla., for 12 years before retiring. Since Killpack left Utah, some people feel local youth basketball hasn't been the same.

"He related so well to these kids," said Brad Jensen, the Big Mountain Jam's assistant tournament director. "I think ever since he left, it was up to the best of the rest to finish up. This valley has been without quality youth basketball since he's been gone."

Killpack has attended other national youth basketball events and believes he can bring the same atmosphere and excitement to Utah. He said the tournament competition will help Utah players improve by facing athletes they aren't used to competing against.

"I want these Utah kids to be able to play these out-of-area kids and be able to stay home and play and save some money," Killpack said.

Olympus boys coach Matt Barnes took his Titans to play in a tournament in Reno, Nev., last month, and he appreciates the opportunity to have his team participate in a tournament close to home. He also said local basketball fans are in for a treat.

"If Bingham is playing Jordan on one court, you can go over and watch," Barnes said. "It's kind of a pretty exciting, entertaining atmosphere."