Kids of all grades, interests, and basketball skill levels packed the Johnson Center gym to compete in the annual HPA 3-on-3 basketball tournament on November 8th. 

Run by teachers Mr. Gruenberg and Mr. Sykes, this tournament is a way for Hackley students to enjoy light-hearted competition with their classmates.

This year, five girls teams and 14 boys teams entered the tournament. Games are played on one basket for 7 minutes, or the first to get 7 baskets. 

Junior Jack Perlman teamed up with freshmen Alex Nuzum and Nico Kim and won the championship for the boys’ bracket. In the championship game, they won against reigning champion Jelani Middleton alongside James Marra and Will Linnett. 

The girls’ bracket, consisting of only 5 teams, was won by seniors Alessa Mendoza and Enya Walsh along with freshmen Noemi Rosas. 

“I loved the chance to get back on the court with all my friends, it was a lot of fun to see everyone playing. Can’t wait for the season, make sure you come to support Hackley Girls’ Varsity Basketball this season!” said senior Alessa Mendoza.

The championship games were played on the big hoop, but only half court. The winners from both the boys’ and girls’ brackets were rewarded with a $10 Starbucks gift card. Runners-up also received a prize: $5 in tuck bucks. 

Many teams dressed up in a common theme to make the tournament more fun. Sophomores Ale Soto, Andrew Carpenito, and Rodrigo Severin dressed up in dinosaur onesies and were awarded “Best Costume” with some tuck bucks. 

“It was a lot of fun getting to play with kids from other grades who I usually wouldn’t have played with. It was a great event because everyone who played was into it, making the games enjoyable,” said junior Jack Perlman, a member of the team who won the boys’ bracket.