H-Town Classic

The H-Town Classic is a 3x3 youth basketball tournament celebrating competition and community in the Greater Houston area. Brought to you by Academy Sports + Outdoors in partnership with Nike and Jordan Brand, the event brings together up to 128 teams across 4 divisions in a double-elimination format. All proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, making this tournament both a celebration of the game and a community investment.

The H-Town Classic will be emceed by Kiotti Brown, voice of the Houston Rockets, and Tausha Sanders, founder of Her Grails. Together, they will provide live commentary and keep the energy high throughout the tournament weekend.

Dates: October 17-18, 2026

Location: Academy Sports + Outdoors Grand Parkway location in Katy

Address: 23155 Katy Fwy., Katy, TX 77450

The tournament takes place on the front lot of the Academy store, as we transform it into a basketball festival with 6 half courts running simultaneously, along with games and activities.

Hosted by Academy Sports + Outdoors in partnership with Nike and Jordan Brand.

All proceeds from the H-Town Classic benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, supporting youth programs and community development in the Houston area.

The H-Town Classic features 4 divisions:

• Middle School (grades 6-8) Boys
• Middle School (grades 6-8) Girls
• High School (grades 9-12) Boys
• High School (grades 9-12) Girls

Each team plays in a 32-team double-elimination bracket. In double-elimination format, teams typically play a minimum of 2-3 games, with opportunities to advance based on wins and losses. The exact number of games depends on your team's performance in the tournament.

Games are scheduled to START at 8:30 a.m. on both days. On Saturday, we recommend teams arrive approximately one (1) hour ahead of your scheduled game time. This allows time for check-in and jersey pickup.

Games are scheduled to end at 7 p.m. on both days.

Games run continuously on both days. Game time and court assignments will be based on how you advance in the tournament.

Games end at 7 p.m. to ensure all play concludes before the sun goes down, allowing for optimal visibility and safety throughout the tournament.

Registering is easy!

1. Complete the above registration form.
2. Review your team's information for accuracy.
3. Pay your team’s registration fee.
4. You will receive a confirmation email once your registration and payment have been processed.

There are 32 spots per division, once each division’s bracket is filled we will no longer accept registrations.

$100 per team.

Yes. To guarantee your team spot and division placement, registration must be completed by October 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT. Late registrations may be accepted on a space-available basis.

There are 32 spots per bracket, once each division’s bracket is filled we will no longer accept registrations.

Yes, you can change players online via our event registration platform or on Oct. 17 at check-in.

Online (Edits allowed until Oct. 12 at 11:59 PM CT)

• Visit your team account center here and input the email you used to register.
• Check your email for a login link with the subject line 'Academy Sports + Outdoors Account Center Login Link' which you can use to access your account center.
• Select the 'Registrations' tab and use the pencil icon to edit individual player information or the plus icon to add a new player.

In-Person (Oct. 17 only)

At the event on Oct. 17th let organizers know you have a player swap when your team checks in. New players will need to provide a signed H-Town Classic Participant Waiver & Release Form at check-in, with a parent or legal guardian's consent if they are minors.

Want to download a waiver & release form ahead of time?

• H-Town Classic Participant Waiver & Release Form
• H-Town Classic Participant Minor Waiver & Release Form

Teams must register in either the Boys’ or Girls’ Division. Co-ed rosters are not permitted.

No. You can form your team with players from different schools, with all players meeting the age/grade requirements for your selected division.

No. Players may only participate on one team and cannot play for multiple teams.

The H-Town Classic follows 3x3 basketball rules with the following specifications:

• Game Length: First to 20 points OR 20 minutes, whichever comes first.
• Game Format: 3x3 (3 players per team on court)
• Bracket: Double-elimination format

For complete rules and regulations, consult the official H-Town Classic rulebook here.

3x3 basketball is a faster paced, half-court game with 3 players per side instead of 5. Key differences include:

• Played on half a court
• Smaller rosters (3-4 players per team)
• Faster pace and quicker game resolution
• Players return to the back line after scores
• 2-point line at the 3-point distance

In double-elimination, teams get a second chance after their first loss. After losing once, teams move to the "losers' bracket" and continue playing. Teams are eliminated after losing twice. This format continues until a champion emerges from the winners' bracket and a runner-up from the losers' bracket.

Players must be within the grade range for their division:

• Middle School Division: Grades 6-8
• High School Division: Grades 9-12

Forfeit policies are detailed in the official H-Town Classic rules and tournament guidelines. Teams should plan to have their roster available for all scheduled games to avoid forfeits.

Team check-in details will be provided via email 5-7 days before the event and on the official H-Town Classic website. Check-in occurs on Oct. 17, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. We recommend that you arrive at venue approximately one (1) hour ahead of your scheduled game time to allow time for check-in and jersey pickup.

Teams should arrive at venue approximately one (1) hour ahead of their scheduled game time to allow for check-in and court familiarization.

Off-site parking will be available for the tournament. More information will be provided as the event date approaches.

Yes! Family, friends, and community members are welcome to attend the H-Town Classic. The event is designed as a community celebration of basketball, so spectators are encouraged. Beyond basketball, there will be shopping, food, and interactive entertainment throughout the venue.

Yes. The H-Town Classic features food vendors and shopping opportunities throughout the event. While water will be provided, it's recommended to bring water and snacks for your team as well, given the outdoor setting and long tournament hours.

Recommended items for tournament day:

• Basketball shoes and appropriate athletic wear
• Water and electrolyte beverages
• Snacks and energy foods
• Sunscreen (outdoor event)
• Hat or visor
• Towel
• ID/registration confirmation
• Any necessary medications

Bracket assignments will be sent to team contacts via email prior to the event. Brackets will also be posted at the venue.

First game times will be sent to your team contacts 5-7 days before the event. Arrive early, as schedules can change based on other game results. The complete brackets and live schedules will be posted at the venue with updates as teams move forward in the tournament.

Weather contingency plans will be communicated before the event. Since games must end by 7 p.m. both days, the schedule is tight. Organizers will monitor conditions and provide updates. Check the official website and your email for any weather-related updates.

Yes. Academy Sports + Outdoors is a public facility with ADA accommodations. Please contact the H-Town Classic organizers if you have specific accessibility needs or questions.