News Journal NIBROC hoops tourney returning for its sixth year on August 11

A week from this Saturday the News Journal’s annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament will return to the Princess Vermillion McBurney Recreation Center as part of the 2018 NIBROC festival.

The tournament, now in its sixth year, continues to be one of the most talked about events of NIBROC, drawing in some of the best basketball players in our area, and beyond.

“Every year it seems like the level of competition just gets better and better,” said News Journal Sports Editor Trevor Sherman. “In 2018, we are expecting to see that trend continue.”

The tournament started with eight teams in 2013, and quickly jumped up to 18 in 2014. After dipping back down to eleven teams in 2015, a record 23 teams showed up to participate in 2016. 21 teams competed in 2017, with the Eagles, a team co-captained by locals Travis Cowden and Isaac Wilson, coming out on top.

“We’ve had a pretty good track record of champions returning to defend their crown,” Sherman said. “We are definitely hoping to see Travis, Isaac and their teammates back again this year. We are also hoping to see many other players who have participated in past tournaments.”

Each year the champion and runner-up teams of the News Journal’s NIBROC 3-on-3 tourney take home trophies and various other prizes. That will be the case again in 2018, with the champions being awarded a $500 grand prize. The hope is to also make some door prizes available for all participating teams, but much of that will depend on what tournament sponsors are able to provide.

“We are still accepting sponsorships for this year’s tournament,” Sherman explained. “Anyone that thinks they can help make this the biggest and best 3-on-3 yet is encouraged to reach out to us. In return for your sponsorship, we’ll include you in promotional materials, and of course, we’ll do anything we can to help promote your business on the actual day of the event.”

For those interested in playing next Saturday, August 11, more information can be found online at the NIBROC 3-on-3 Hoops Tournament Facebook page, or by calling News Journal Publisher Trent Knuckles at 606-215-9944. Pre-registration is ongoing, and is encouraged.

“Teams do have the option of signing up the day of the tournament,” Sherman said. “But we can’t guarantee that any spots will be left. For that reason, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’re pretty confident that you’ll be playing, go ahead and reserve your place by contacting us as soon as possible.”

The registration fee is $50 per team, with teams consisting of at least three, but no more than five, players. Players must be 15 years of age or older to compete. The bracket draw is scheduled to take place at noon on August 11, with games beginning immediately thereafter.