Hansen-Haas Memorial Basketball Tournament (Formerly Roger Haas Memorial)

Yankton Basketball Inc. (YBI) and the Hansen-Haas Tournament Committee proudly present our annual memorial tournament.

This tournament was originally created in memory of Roger Haas, who unexpectedly passed away at the age of 42 in 1991.  Roger was very involved locally and regionally with the youth of Yankton.  Roger worked with the South Dakota Special Olympic athletes during local, regional, and state games.  He was also a member of the Yankton Morning Optimist Club where he chaired various programs that were dedicated to the youth of Yankton and its surrounding communities.

 
His love and dedication for the youth is what helped make our tournament the success it has become today.  This tournament is made possible by various community service organizations and the hundreds of volunteers that have shared Roger’s belief throughout the years.

In 2013 YBI lost one of the founding members of the Roger Haas Tournament, Dale “Ole” Hansen, to a battle with cancer.  Ole was truly the inspiration and energy of the tournament for the all the years he was involved.  From what started as a small tournament held in every small gym in Yankton, Ole helped make the tournament the success it has become and continues today.

Ole’s vision was to insure that the youth of Yankton, regardless of skill level, would have the opportunity to take part in a basketball program.  Ole was instrumental in the creation of the “Little Lancer Basketball” program for 1st and 2nd graders and the “Just for Fun” league for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders.  These programs utilized the skills of Mount Marty College and Yankton High School basketball players and coaches.  Ole also helped YBI to financially support YHS and MMC though various scholarships, camps, and equipment purchases throughout the years.

In honor of Ole, as well as to continue to honor Roger, the YBI committee decided to change the tournament name to the Hansen-Haas Memorial Basketball Tournament in 2015 for the 25th year.  YBI looks forward to many continued years of tournament success, following the vision and spirit of volunteerism that both Roger and Ole shared.  We are all better off for knowing and being a part of the lives of Roger and Ole.

Yankton Basketball Inc. - Sportsmanship first is our goal