WALLACE — If there are two absolutes in the Silver Valley, it’s that people here love basketball and hate cancer. A new local organization is looking to capitalize on both. 

Silver Valley Hoops 4 Hope will host a 4-on-4 basketball tournament in May at Wallace Jr./Sr. High School. 

Silver Valley native Mike Little recently founded Silver Valley Hoops 4 Hope, a nonprofit he devised one night after a conversation with his sister, Shannon Bryant, who had just received devastating news. 

“My sister, Shannon, lives in Alabama and she was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Little said. “I was trying to find ways to bless her beyond just going and helping her out, when the idea for Hoops 4 Hope hit me at like midnight.” 

While the idea came quickly, Little had no idea how to pull it off. He turned to a few trusted people and, by noon the next day, had formed a committee and was working to secure all the requirements necessary to become a nonprofit. 

Joined by Terrie Poland, Jessica Barker, Jamere Radford and Kip McGillivray, Little has assembled a group he says cares deeply about the Silver Valley and the people who live there. 

“I can’t say enough about this group,” Little said. “They’re all so dedicated and awesome. They understood exactly what I wanted to do and immediately supported the idea.” 

A key component of Little’s vision is donating 100% of the proceeds, with half going to the Shoshone Cancer Resource Center and the other half going to a special person in need. 

“It won’t be the same person each year,” Little said. “We want to find those people in the community who are going through a hard time and bless them. But we’re not keeping any of the money. Everything we get will be donated. We just want to help as many people as we can.” 

This year’s tournament, dubbed “Buckets for Boobies,” will benefit Bryant. 

Unlike similar tournaments that typically use a 3-on-3 format, Little elected to go with 4-on-4. He said the format allows more people to play, helps split up registration costs and offers one additional personal benefit. 

“I’m an old guy now and I don’t want to have to cover as much court as you have to in a 3-on-3,” Little said with a chuckle. “We’re also doing it the same weekend as Depot Days, so people will already be in town and there will be something for players and families to do between and after games.” 

Teams can have up to five players, to allow for a substitute.  

Little credits his faith for the idea and hopes the tournament grows into an annual community staple. 

“It’s all God,” Little said. “He provides opportunities and it’s our job to realize them.” 

The one-day tournament is scheduled for May 9 and will feature several divisions, including a family fun group in which parents and kids can play together. There will also be men’s, women’s and co-ed divisions, all broken up by age. 

Little is also seeking additional business sponsors to help cover costs such as gym rental, insurance and other expenses associated with hosting an annual event. 

For more information or to sign up a team, visit the Hoops 4 Hope Facebook page and message the group.