A community‑wide celebration of basketball
The 52nd annual Gus Macker 3‑on‑3 basketball tournament made its much‑anticipated return to downtown Flint this weekend, drawing crowds to the historic Flint Flat Lot where half‑court showdowns unfolded across 20 makeshift courts.
More than 155 teams, spanning every age division from youth to adult, registered for the three‑day competition, turning the urban plaza into a vibrant showcase of skill, strategy and sportsmanship.
Saturday’s schedule featured qualifying rounds alongside a slam‑dunk contest, a free‑throw challenge and a long‑range 3‑point shoot‑out, while Sunday’s championship games promise to crown the tournament’s top squads.
Community spirit on the court
Captain Michael Hanton of the Salvation Army, whose organization will benefit from the event’s proceeds, highlighted the tournament’s broader significance: “It’s more than just basketball; it’s a chance for the community to come together, support one another, and raise vital funds for the L.I.F.E Center.”
All tournament earnings are earmarked for the Salvation Army’s L.I.F.E Center, a hub that provides essential services and programs for families across the region, reinforcing the event’s role as both a sporting spectacle and a charitable catalyst.