“Hoopers” still have a little time to work on their game for one of the most competitive basketball tournaments in the area, but don’t wait too long to register.
The ninth annual Taylor Press 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament is July 9-10 at Taylor Middle School, 304 Carlos G. Parker Blvd. N.W.
This marks the second time the event is at the middle school.
“In 2015, when we had the tournament at the middle school, we had 37 teams,” said Jason Hennington, tournament director and publisher of the Taylor Press. “That’s the most teams we’ve ever had in one year. I hope we can duplicate or surpass that this year.”
The annual event is a fundraiser for two scholarships that go to graduating Taylor High School athletes in the class of 2023. A donation is also made to a local nonprofit.
“This tournament is not all about basketball. That’s just the avenue,” Hennington said. “The tournament is about the community, giving back and bringing people together. That has always been the purpose.”
This year, the Shining Stars, a local nonprofit for adults with special needs, will return to operate the concession stand, as well as take to the court once more for a championship series of games.
Participating age groups are 11-14, 15-17 and 18 and older. There are divisions for both men and women.
Anyone who has played varsity-level basketball will play in the 18-and-older division.
Winners receive championship rings in addition to other prizes. There also will be a 3-point contest, free-throw contest, a game of knockout and a raffle.
“The level of competition is high and there are so many opportunities to leave with a prize,” Hennington said. “Even if you don’t play, just come watch and you’ll have a great time.”
Registration forms are available at the Taylor Press, 211 W. Third St., and the Taylor Press 3-on-3 Facebook page at https://m.facebook.com/Taylor-Press-3-on 3-BasketballTournament-1863059143908756/.
Hennington is looking for donations and volunteers to help with the tournament.
For more, call Hennington at 512-352-8535 or 512-269-9735, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
