When is a free, teen basketball tournament more than just a free, teen basketball tournament? 

For the Long Branch community of Silver Spring, part of IMPACT Silver Spring’s community network, basketball has meant more community involvement, said Ronnie Galvin, director of the non-profit. 

IMPACT, along with Councilmember Valerie Ervin (D-Silver Spring) and the Montgomery County Recreation Department, will host the second annual “Audacity of Hoops” 3-on-3 youth basketball tournament in downtown Silver Spring next month. 

"We have witnessed how sports can serve as a powerful way to connect with isolated families in our community and to bring folks together across lines of difference,” Galvin said.

Participants can expect slam-dunk and free throw contests, a DJ, teams for young women and the chance to see local government workers suit up—police, fire and rescue and recreation are all slated to have teams at the event. 

The fun starts on Sept. 15, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Ellsworth Drive, next to Veterans Plaza. All county high school students may assemble teams and join.

Participants can register and get more information by calling Jose Segura at the Recreation Department at 240-777-6916 or by emailing him at jose.segura@montgomerycountymd.gov. If space is available, teams can register the day of the event. All students must produce valid high school identification to participate.