TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Hundreds of people gathered Saturday at the Jack Gaither Community Center for the second annual “Hoops for Karter” basketball tournament, an event created to honor a local teen’s life and legacy.
The tournament remembers Karter Smith, who died alongside his father in a 2024 crash after their Tesla hit a tree and caught fire in Thomas County.
For the past two years, Karter’s mother, Shantorria Herring, has organized the event to celebrate her son’s love of basketball and bring the community together in his memory.
“The mission is to build Karter’s legacy up, to give back, and for any kid who’s not able to play basketball, I want to be an assist to them and help them fulfill their dreams,” she said.
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Herring said she continues to grieve the loss of her only son, but the outpouring of support from his classmates and others in the community has provided comfort.
“Words can’t explain. I’m just honored, I’m grateful,” Herring said. “It means a lot because they pour into me, so I want to pour into them. I love for everybody to come out and support and help me support him and his legacy.”
Herring plans the tournament each year around Karter’s birthday. He would have turned 16 Saturday.
Around 350 people attended the event to celebrate his life, according to Herring.
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