Great Lakes Islands Basketball Tournament Returns to Put-in-Bay
The Great Lakes Islands Basketball Tournament Returns to Put-in-Bay This Weekend
Get ready for one of the most exciting weekends on the island! The Great Lakes Islands Basketball Tournament is back, and this year, Put-in-Bay School is proud to host teams from Mackinac Island, MI, Beaver Island, MI, and Washington Island, WI. This two-day basketball tournament will showcase the best of island athletics and community spirit, with games taking place on Friday, December 6th, and Saturday, December 7th.
To allow students to attend and support their teams, Put-in-Bay School will dismiss students early at noon on Friday—a great opportunity for the community to come together and cheer on the Panthers!
2024 Great Lakes Islands Basketball Tournament Schedule
Friday, December 6th
- 12:00 PM Boys: Beaver Island vs. Put-in-Bay
- 1:00 PM Girls: Washington Island vs. Put-in-Bay
- 2:00 PM Boys: Mackinac Island vs. Washington Island
- 3:00 PM Girls: Mackinac Island vs. Washington Island
- 4:00 PM Boys: Put-in-Bay vs. Washington Island
- 5:00 PM Girls: Beaver Island vs. Put-in-Bay
Saturday, December 7th
- 8:30 AM Boys: Washington Island vs. Beaver Island
- 9:30 AM Girls: Washington Island vs. Beaver Island
- 10:30 AM Boys: Beaver Island vs. Mackinac Island
- 11:30 AM Girls: Beaver Island vs. Mackinac Island
- 12:30 PM Boys: Put-in-Bay vs. Mackinac Island
- 1:30 PM Girls: Put-in-Bay vs. Mackinac Island
About the Tournament
The Great Lakes Islands Basketball Tournament, also known as the Great Lakes 4-Island Tournament, is a unique event that brings together student-athletes from island schools to celebrate sportsmanship, community, and tradition. The tournament began in 2018, inspired by the Great Lakes Islands Alliance (GLIA) summit and former Put-in-Bay Superintendent Steve Poe. It has become a beloved annual tradition (with the exception of 2020 due to COVID-19).
This weekend, Put-in-Bay will host the 6th Annual Tournament, and fans can expect intense competition, community camaraderie, and plenty of exciting basketball action.
How to Watch
Can’t make it to the games in person? Don’t worry—you can catch all the action live! Games will be streamed at WPIB.com, so you won’t miss a single buzzer-beater or highlight reel moment.
More Than Just Basketball
The excitement doesn’t stop at the court! The Put-in-Bay Holiday Bazaar will also be taking place at the Town Hall throughout the weekend. This event is a perfect opportunity to shop for local arts, crafts, and gifts while enjoying the festive atmosphere. Local favorites Topsy Turvey and The Forge will also be open, offering great food and drinks for visitors and fans alike.
Support Island Athletics and Community Spirit
The Great Lakes Islands Basketball Tournament is more than just a sports event—it’s a celebration of the unique challenges and perseverance of island schools. For these student-athletes, competing in a basketball season is no small feat. Travel often involves ferry rides, bus trips, and even airplanes when the Great Lakes freeze in winter. This tournament brings these communities together, showcasing the dedication and spirit that make island life so special.
Don’t miss the opportunity to cheer on the Put-in-Bay Panthers and witness this incredible display of island athletics. Whether you’re court-side or tuning in from home via WPIB.com, this weekend promises to be an unforgettable celebration of competition and camaraderie.
Join the Fun!
Plan your weekend at Put-in-Bay to catch all the basketball action, support local vendors at the Holiday Bazaar, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of the island. Let’s come together to celebrate the athletes, the community, and the unique spirit of the Great Lakes Islands.
