KINGSTON — For the 12th year running, some of North Kitsap’s best school hoopsters — as well as others from around the Sound — will hit the hardwood for Kingston’s 3-on-3 Hip Hop Hoop Shoot today.

The tournament attracts both local and regional youth talent in a unique format.

Divisions for both boys and girls ages third grade through 12th will play in the 3-on-3 event. Last year, more than 70 teams participated.

“Its a gathering of all our local kids to have a good time,” said Tony Chisholm, Kingston Junior High School basketball coach, whose involvement in the event spans nine years. “It’s a time to mingle with parents and friends to watch the kids that are future of North Kitsap basketball.”

Chisholm added that while the tournament attracts hoopsters from the North End and Poulsbo, it also draws a large following from outside the area.

“It not only brings in North Kitsap teams,” Chisholm said. “(Players) come in from South Kitsap, Chimacum, the peninsula — it’s a big thing now.”

The biggest challenge will be to accommodate a large group of participants, Chisholm said.

“It’s getting so big, soon we’ll be outgrowing the Kingston Junior High gym,” he added.

From 9:30 a.m. to noon, contests for players ages third through ninth grade will be held. Free throw, “bump” and “hot shot” contests cost $2 per contestant.

At noon, the 3-on-3 tournament will begin. Third grade though sixth grade divisions will compete between noon and 3 p.m. Older divisions will play between 1-5 p.m. depending on previous games.

Registration for the 3-on-3 competition ends at 10 a.m. today.