KELLOGG — The SilverHoops 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament continues to grow each year, and early indicators suggest 2026 could be the biggest event in tournament history. 

Registration is open for the tournament, which features youth divisions for players entering third grade through adult men's and women's divisions. 

Over the past several years, the annual blacktop basketball tournament has established itself as the largest 3-on-3 event in North Idaho. It has become one of Kellogg's premier summer attractions, drawing players and families from throughout the region. 

According to SilverHoops committee member Ethan Wendt, the tournament had already registered 97 teams during the reduced-price, early-registration period, the highest total the event has ever reached at that point. 

"We are hoping for another 200-plus team year, and we are excited to have more vendor variety than ever before," Wendt said. "Most of our teams continue to come from North Idaho, Eastern Washington, and Western Montana, and we expect similar divisions to previous years." 

Over the years, the tournament has evolved from a community novelty into the major regional event it is today, due in large part to organizers listening to players and the community. 

A few years ago, SilverHoops moved away from its traditional two-day, double-elimination format and adopted a schedule featuring pool play on Saturday followed by a single-elimination tournament on Sunday. 

The change guarantees teams at least four games and encourages participants to stay in town for the full weekend, maximizing opportunities for local businesses and vendors. The tournament also features paid officials for youth division games and free access to the community swimming pool in Kellogg's adjacent city park. Wendt and the committee believe those additions help enhance the SilverHoops experience. 

"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," Wendt said. "Our four-game guarantee, free pool access all weekend, refereed youth divisions, and our pool play Saturday leading into single-elimination championship Sunday all help create a great experience." 

Each year, thousands of people make their way to Teeters Field and Kellogg City Park for the tournament. Many are familiar faces, but new participants can be found at nearly every hoop. Wendt, the SilverHoops committee and the Historic Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce view that growing basketball community as one of the event's greatest successes. 

"One of my favorite parts of SilverHoops is seeing players, families, and friends from all over the area come together for a weekend of basketball," Wendt said. "It has become more than just a tournament. It is a community event that brings people into Kellogg, supports the Historic Silver Valley Chamber, helps local youth volunteer groups and school sports or other organizations, and contributes to other community events and projects throughout the year." 

On Saturday, SilverHoops will pause at midday for its annual Slam Dunk Contest, sponsored by Jim's Towing. First-, second- and third-place finishers will receive cash prizes. 

The registration window is closing soon. Additional fees will be assessed beginning July 15 for late registrations, and registration closes July 19. 

"We would love to see another huge year, but more than that, we want to continue building an event that benefits the Silver Valley for years to come," Wendt said. "We are also putting out a call to the community and friends of basketball to get involved. Whether that means volunteering, sponsoring, helping behind the scenes, or simply spreading the word, community support is what will help make sure SilverHoops continues for future generations." 

The SilverHoops 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament is scheduled for July 25-26 in Kellogg. For more information or to register a team, visit www.silverhoops3on3.com.