The Bulldog Bash began in 2002 with an all girl's format. In its inaugural year, it began with great competition and featured outstanding players including MVP Monica Wright (McDonald's All American and ACC Rookie of the Year at University of Virginia) and MaryLynne Schaefer (4 year player at Hartford University who currently plays women's professional basketball in Europe) Through its first five years, the tournament has included numerous other future Division I, II, and III players and has been the home to some of the most exiting basketball in Northern Virginia. In 2006, the tournament was expanded to include a boys bracket.