Next weekend, a local basketball tournament looks to score big with players, prizes and fun.
The 12th annual Taylor Press 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament is scheduled for July 12-13 at Taylor High School. In its 12th year, the event is still used to raise money for two local scholarships and a donation to a local organization.
Tournament Director Jason Hennington said he still gets nervous about the event, even after a decade of success.
“I still worry about how many teams, if the prizes are right, how many people will show up,” he said. “Every year, I’m surprised and happy about the outcome.”
The event began in 2013 when Hennington and David Thompson were the general assignment and sports reporters, respectively. With a unique spin on prizes and tough competition, the tournament continued to grow and attracted more attention.
“It’s incredible how far this tournament has reached,” Hennington said.
The winners receive championship rings and other prizes, which is motivation for teams to sign up and play.
“People come from all over to play, and we get quite a few major sponsors from outside of the Taylor area,” Hennington said.
Sponsors in the past have included the Dallas Wings, the San Antonio Spurs, Lids, Academy and other mainstream companies.
“Local organizations and community members also support the tournament, which is one reason we can keep hosting it,” he said. “Without all of the sponsors, no matter how big or small, they are critical to the success of the event.”
In the second year of the tournament, the Shining Stars, a nonprofit for adults with special needs, joined the tournament and have been a major part of the event. Most of the members of the group have been friends since an early age, went to school together and competed in Special Olympics.
“It brings us all together. It brings the community together with the Shining Stars when they come to watch them play,” said Verna Guajardo, director of the Shining Stars. “We have a great time. We get to meet new people who understand us and love us.” In addition to playing, the Shining Stars also operate the concession stand. With the help of family and friends, it is their biggest fundraiser each year. Both Guajardo and Hennington agree there is a memorable moment every year during the game.
“If you’ve never been there to see this game, you need to get there,” Guajardo said. “It’s a special feeling when everyone gets around them, watches them play and cheers them on…It really makes them feel special and great.”
“I’ve always said it is one of my favorite parts of the tournament,” Hennington said. “Just seeing everyone clapping and cheering along with the Shining Stars playing harder, it’s amazing.”
The tournament is set for July 12-13 at Taylor High School. The age divisions are 11-14, 15-17 and 18 and older. Anyone who has played varsity will play in the 18 and older division.
The entry fee is $50 per team with up to four players on a team.
Hennington said this year will introduce the Free Agent list.
“If you don’t have a team, you can still sign up. If we have enough players on the list ,we will create a team so that everyone gets an opportunity to play,” he said.
The deadline to sign up is Wednesday, July 9, at 5 p.m.
For more information, contact Hennington at 512-269-9735 or email [email protected]. Registration forms are available at the Taylor Press office, 211 W. Third Street.
