Eight of the best teams across the East Coast battled it out on the court during the 13th annual Gardiner Memorial Basketball Classic Tournament at St. James Park.

But this event isn’t just about hooping. To the community, it’s about giving back while bringing together the youth for a series of activities with scholarships and giveaways.

The tournament is organized by non-profit organization Gardiner Foundation who teamed up with Manhattan law firm Gersowitz Libo and Korek.

Dexter Gardiner, founder of the Gardiner Foundation, created the organization after losing several family members more than a decade ago. One of those tragedies includes six of his relatives dying from a crash on the Bronx River Parkway in 2006.

“2006 was very rough for me and my family but through that I started this foundation,” Dexter said.

Dexter, who grew up in the Bronx alongside his twin brother, said his goal for the organization is to be a positive figure for youth.

“When I was 10 years old I needed a mentor …so that’s what we’re trying to do is guide them.”

The two-day event on Aug. 18 and 19 hosted semi-finals and finals games along with a youth all-star game.

During the event, eight college-bound Bronx high school seniors received $1,000 scholarship. Additionally, more than 20 tablets and 750 backpacks full of school supplies were distributed.

Bryce Branch, 18, is a tournament volunteer who is one of this year’s scholarship recipients.

Branch, who will head to Old Westbury College in the fall, described the tournament as “a family event” that he takes joy in being a part of. 

Despite the rain on Sunday, the free event was packed with hundreds of community members with music, raffles and food.

Hopli James, a Bronx resident originally from Jamaica, attended the event for a second year in a row. She said that she enjoys watching the tournament.

“I came last year with my granddaughter…it’s very nice to watch,” James said.

Sherri Gardiner, co-founder of the organization, said the group’s motto is to be “our brother’s keeper.”

“It is a tragedy when we see our young people going down the wrong path…our goal is to steer them in the right direction and give them the resources they need to be the best they can be,” Sherri said.