Laughter, sneakers squeaking, and cheers filled the gym as the students gathered for the annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. Run by the HPA, alongside Economics teacher Mr. Sykes and Statistics teacher Mr. Gruenberg, the event welcomed players of all grades and skill levels.
This year’s tournament was on Thursday, November 6th, featuring four girls’ teams and thirteen boys’ teams. Games are played on half-court, lasting seven minutes each, with the first to get seven baskets winning.
On the girls’ side, all four teams entered directly into the semifinals. For the boys, the bottom three teams each nominated one player from their team to take a free throw to determine who would move on to the knockout rounds. Senior Micah Jones, sophomore Alfie Adams, and freshman JB Haisch stepped up to the line, and JB’s free throws secured his team’s spot in the next round.
The boys’ championship came down to seniors Isaac Price, Logan Gunn, and James Marra, who defeated juniors Jonah Hootnick, Nate Becker, and Sean Morr.
“It was awesome to win the tournament our senior year,” said Isaac Price. “I’ve been playing since freshman year, so it was great to win it all on my last chance”.
On the girls’ side, freshman Willow Dengler, Samantha Sarro, and sophomore Courtney Morgner won the championship after a close game against senior Gabriella Petriello and sophomores Pia Severin and Katie Yalmokas.
“It came down to the last few seconds, but everyone played very well,” said Pia Severin. “Even though we didn’t win, it was a very fun and competitive tournament”.
Both championship games were played on a half-court with ten minutes to play. The winners took home Starbucks gift cards, while the runners-up earned Tuck Bucks.
But the day was not just about basketball. Many players embraced the costume tradition, showing up in themed outfits. Willow, Samantha, and Courtney dressed as Winnie the Pooh characters, while Freshman Nola Conboy, Sage Sarro, and Cadence Dinardo dressed up as Alvin and the Chipmunks.
Reflecting on the tournament, Willow said, “This is my first time ever competing in the event, and I had so much fun. I’ll definitely do it again next year.”
Between the energy on the court and the creativity in costumes, this year’s 3-on-3 tournament was another slam dunk.
