Another slam dunk for SilverHoops

KELLOGG –– It was two full days of blacktop bliss as SilverHoops 24 crossed another major milestone.  

A record-breaking 210 teams took to the courts at Teeters Field this past weekend in hopes of calling themselves SilverHoops champion. 

SilverHoops 3-on-3 committee members Gus Colburn and Ethan Wendt did double duty during the tournament, overseeing the event while also playing on their own teams. After two long days they were both thrilled with how the event went and already excited for next year.  

“SilverHoops is my favorite weekend of the year because it truly is like a family reunion in the best way,” Colburn said. “Seeing close family friends, former coaches, old rivals, the next generation of athletes, and everyone in between unite for the common love of basketball is so special. As a committee, we're thankful to continue the tradition of this event in its 31st year and can't give enough credit to Nate Wendt and Jeff Colburn for their leadership and guidance in continuing this tournament.”  

Nate and Jeff are the fathers of Ethan and Gus, which only adds to the legacy of the tournament, which has steadily grown from a small city event into the biggest three-on-three basketball tournament in North Idaho and one of the most popular events of its kind. 

“The biggest thing that stands out to me are the number of players and parents who told me this is their favorite tournament every year,” Wendt said. “Just seeing the amount of people there who all have the same love for the game of basketball, it’s special.”  

This year, in anticipation of a large turnout, SilverHoops was expanded by four courts to accommodate the additional teams and to keep the tournament from running too long on either day.  

The unique pool-play Saturday and single-elimination Sunday format of the tournament keeps people in town for both days. This makes the atmosphere of the tournament different than other basketball tournaments.  

Guaranteed games and keeping people near Silver Valley businesses are among the biggest pros, while the single-elimination style tournament on Sunday ramps up the intensity of every game on Sunday.  

“The format adds to the excitement of playing in a two-day tournament while also giving more opportunity to maximize playing time on the court,” Colburn said. “We love to hear from parents that their athletes improved throughout the weekend. The refereed games help to foster an environment of growth and learning so kids can improve their basketball skills and keep falling in love with the game.”  

In the end, it was another solid weekend of street basketball in Kellogg and another feather in the cap of one of the Silver Valley’s biggest annual events.  

Both Colburn and Wendt would like to thank the countless volunteers from organizations including Kellogg High School Athletics, Kellogg High School Boys Basketball, Storm Football, Kellogg Police, and any other volunteers who donated time and energy to making SilverHoops ‘24 a success.  

    Ayden Weske shows off his crossover during an early Saturday game at SilverHoops.
  

    Cayden Honnerlaw attempts to block a shot while teammate Dalton Coburn steals the ball during a game at the SilverHoops 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament.