The annual 3-on-3 Youth Basketball tournament made a successful comeback at the Coombs Fairgrounds gym.
After having to cancel the popular event for two years due to COVID-19, on May 5 the organizers Arrowsmith Community Recreation Association welcomed the popular tournament back, that is held annually in conjunction with BC Youth Week.
The tournament, funded by the Regional District of Nanaimo, was free of charge and welcomed players of all skill levels. Six teams entered the tournament, for a total of 21 players from as far away as Campbell River and Nanaimo.
The ACRA recreation co-ordinator Kristine Stephenson said they wanted to build an inviting space where all youth could participate regardless of whether or not they belong to a team at school.
“The youth who attended not only put their best foot forward while playing, but also demonstrated excellent sportsmanship on and off the court,” said Stephenson. “In a survey after the event, one parent shared ‘our kids were just thrilled to have an opportunity to play.’”
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Balls on Rim won the seniors division after having to beat to Ballerz twice in the double elimination tournament. The winning team consisted of Logan Magel, Aiden Campbell and Carter Brett. The runners-up Ballerz were Liam Manchester, Brayden Jupe and Ethan Chen.
The Kids Who Can Ball (Kayleb O’Neill, Thomas Tower, Miles White and Lelland McIvor) topped the junior division winning all their games. Finishing second were the Bros of Owen Pryce, Sam Peterson and Charlie Deschambault.
Special thanks go out to tournament went out to co-ordinator Michael Briones, without whom this event would not be possible.
— NEWS Staff, Submitted