By Nick Creely
The next wave of star basketballers got their chance to impress as Hoops 247 Indoor Sports Centre hosted their Junior 3×3 Basketball Tournament in Dandenong recently.
Almost 400 competitors and 97 teams participated in the exciting tournament, with boys and girls putting on an absolute show.
The matches – which run for nine minutes, makes it an exciting spectacle – and features three players per side, with under 10’s all the way to under 18’s.
The atmosphere was of genuine excitement as the kids took to the courts, showcasing their skills and proving that the talent in the south-east is as good as anywhere.
Most of the sides entered in the tournament were from basketball associations such as Casey, Pakenham, Dandenong, Knox and Nunawading, with even some teams from Altona, Werribee and Moe getting involved.
Founder and Managing Director, Hoops 247, Supun Samarawickrama, expressed his thrill with how the tournament panned out, and the opportunity that it provides local basketballers.
“In addition to our top-notch facilities and skills training clinics, hosting the Junior 3on3 Tournament is just another way that I envisage Hoops 247 can deliver excellence and inspiration for junior basketballers of all skill levels in a family-friendly environment,” she said of the tournament
“Watching nearly 400 junior ballers competing in the tournament reinforces to me that there is tremendous talent and enthusiasm at the grass roots level of basketball.
“I wish to express my gratitude to all the ballers, supporters, referees and volunteers for making this tournament a fun family day. I look forward to welcoming everyone to Hoops 247 at our next 3on3 tournament on Saturday, 7th April.”
The next 3×3 tournament will be held on Saturday 7 April, with more details to be posted on hoops247.com.au or on Hoops’ Facebook page.
Grand Final winners:
Boys
U10 – Bushrangers
U12 – J1D2
U14 – Hoop Breakers
U16 – Spectres
U18 – Red Roo
Girls
U12 – Mixed Ballers
U14 – Blue Crush
U16 – Team TAJ
U18 – Hoops Ballers
