The SilverHoops 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament is tracking toward another banner year, with early registration numbers hitting the highest total in the event’s history. Nearly 100 teams have already signed up for the July 25-26 competition in Kellogg, signaling strong momentum heading into the final weeks before the games tip off.
Tournament organizers are eyeing a 200-plus team turnout for 2026, building on the momentum of a competition that has become a fixture in North Idaho’s summer sports calendar. The early registration surge reflects growing appeal among youth and adult basketball players across the Panhandle and wider region.
Tournament Format Emphasizes More Games for Teams
SilverHoops has restructured its competition format to give participants better value and more court time. The traditional two-day, double-elimination bracket has been replaced with a pool play structure on Saturday followed by single-elimination competition on Sunday. This change guarantees every team at least four games, regardless of early results—a significant upgrade from formats where teams could be eliminated after one or two contests.
The shift reflects organizers’ commitment to making the tournament appealing for recreational and competitive squads alike. Youth divisions cater to players entering third grade, while separate men’s and women’s divisions serve adult competitors. All youth division games feature paid officials, ensuring consistent rule enforcement and a professional competition atmosphere.
Expanded Experience Beyond Basketball
SilverHoops offers more than court competition. Participants gain free access to Kellogg’s community swimming pool, located in the adjacent city park—a welcome amenity for teams traveling from across the region during summer heat. The tournament also features an annual Slam Dunk Contest held Saturday, sponsored by Jim’s Towing, with cash prizes for first, second, and third place.
According to organizers, the vendor variety has expanded as well, giving teams and spectators more food and merchandise options throughout the weekend.
What’s Driving Growth
Ethan Wendt, speaking for the tournament, attributed continued expansion to core factors: “We are hoping for another 200-plus team year, and we are excited to have more vendor variety than ever before.”
Beyond the logistics, Wendt pointed to intangible reasons for SilverHoops’ appeal. “A big part of why SilverHoops continues to grow is word of mouth, a shared love of basketball, the competitive spirit of the tournament and the fact that teams know they are going to get their money’s worth,” he said.
That reputation—built on reliable organization, fair competition, and genuine value for participants—has made the Kellogg event a sought-after summer fixture for teams across North Idaho, the Treasure Valley, and beyond. The tournament benefits from Kootenai County’s strong basketball culture and the region’s appeal as a summer destination.
Registration Timeline and Next Steps
Teams interested in competing still have time to lock in early registration rates. Late registration fees take effect July 15, and the deadline to sign up is July 19. With 97 teams already committed and organizers projecting a 200-plus team field, spaces may fill quickly as the tournament date approaches.
The competition runs July 25-26 in Kellogg, making it an accessible destination for North Idaho participants and teams traveling from neighboring regions. The pool play format on Saturday ensures all teams get meaningful court time before Sunday’s single-elimination rounds determine divisional champions.
For local basketball enthusiasts, SilverHoops represents more than a single weekend tournament—it’s become part of the summer rhythm in Kootenai County and a showcase for the competitive spirit and athletic talent throughout the Panhandle. The early registration numbers suggest that 2026 could be the event’s biggest year yet.