Hoops On The Ave. event makes a swish on the shore, celebrating the world of basketball

SALISBURY, Md. – You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take and the first annual Hoops On The Ave. event allowed community members to take that shot, all in the name of basketball.

The first Hoops On the Avenue event dribbled its way on the grounds of the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Saturday and players of all ages laced up their sneakers for a day of fun in the sun.

The event was birthed from a partnership between Wicomico County Recreation & Parks and the Mizzle House Foundation.

The event included live music, food trucks, a sneaker mart, and inflatable’s for the little ones. Yet, the biggest attraction of the day was the chance for one luckily shooter to win the 10k Hot Shot competition sponsored by Pohanka Salisbury. “They’ll pick 3 people to take a shot at the $10,000 dollars. If anybody makes it, they win $10,000 dollars. As simple as that.”

The Free Agents was one of the teams in the adult 3-on-3 tournaments. Player Eden Hade tells us, her love for the game goes back to childhood. “I’ve always loved basketball. It’s my first love,” Hade said.  “My dad and I every afternoon after school would play on our gravel court. You had to get pretty good at dribbling on gravel.”

She says events like Hoops on The Avenue allow her to continue that legacy of creating family ballers. “My husband and I brought our kids here because we think it is a good event for them to see competitive games. To see elite men’s teams that are playing behind us and to see middle and high school players,” Hade said. “I love basketball. Its my favorite thing ever. I just like dribbling.”

Organizers say they’re thankful for the overwhelming support from the community. We’re also told that’s a good sign they’ll be back next year.