Midland's Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Sets Record
The Midland Gus Macker 3-on-3 charity basketball tournament, held at Northwood University, attracted a record 368 teams, marking the largest local gathering of players in the event's history.
All proceeds from the competition benefit The Legacy Center for Community Success, a nonprofit dedicated to youth development through literacy, tutoring and substance‑abuse prevention programs.
The tournament is organized into 31 brackets, with roughly three‑quarters of the games staged on youth courts that are grouped by skill level and age, ensuring competitive balance for participants.
Organizers aimed to replicate last year's fundraising total of about $20,000, a target that underscores the event's growing financial impact on the community.
Young Stars on the Rise
Nine‑year‑old Tripp Cline from Ithaca discovered basketball after watching NBA games, while ten‑year‑old Charlie Peña began playing at his mother Jennifer Peña's encouragement, continuing a family tradition.
Symone Branet, 15, of Saginaw, has been honing her game for eight years and cites both the competitive fire and the camaraderie as reasons she keeps returning to the court.
Sixteen‑year‑old Kaitlyn Piggott, a first‑time competitor, praised the high‑energy atmosphere and the chance to face new opponents, describing the tournament as a thrilling experience.
Cyson Ballard, also 16 and from Grand Blanc, says basketball provides an escape from the stresses of daily life, highlighting the sport's therapeutic value.
Mitch Minty, 31, joined the informal AMP ('Any Means Possible') squad with friends, illustrating the tournament's inclusive appeal across age groups.
Community and Service on the Court
The Heroes Tournament showcased local law enforcement, first responders and veterans, with the Midland Police Department capturing the trophy for the second consecutive year.
A Unified court, created in partnership with Miracle Field, paired players with disabilities alongside buddy players, emphasizing inclusion and the tournament's broader social mission.
Saturday evening featured a dunk contest that added a festive highlight to the weekend's activities, drawing cheers from players and spectators alike.