Tourney attracts competition, new traditions
After more than a decade, players are still locked in with the level of competition at the Taylor Press 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament.
In its 12th year, the basketball tournament saw the second-most teams since its inception in 2013. A total of 35 teams across four divisions competed for championship rings and other prizes.
“It was a great weekend to be a fan of basketball,” Jason Hennington, tournament director said. “It was so competitive, but also had a high level of sportsmanship. All around, it was another fun tournament.”
In the 18 and older division, Splashstrop won the championship, while the Dream Team won the women’s division. The winners received championship rings in addition to other prizes including vacation getaways.
The Bucket Brothers walked away with the title in the 15- to 17-yearold division. After the championship, the team presented rings to the Blue Menaces, who had players that ranged from 10 to 11-years-old, but played up a division. Hennington said this was the ultimate display of sportsmanship and encouragement.
“These young guys made it to the championship against teams that were bigger and more experienced. They didn’t receive a participation award, they earned those rings,” he said.
The tournament co-hosts, the Shining Stars, a nonprofit for adults with special needs, started a new tradition this year. Instead of playing each other, members of the 1995 Taylor Duck High School district championship team, Jeremy Carver, Kevin Hennington, Eric Hunt and Scott Raesz, suited up to oppose the Shining Stars.
“This is something we were happy to do, and we had a great time,” Carver said.
“We were all excited, and are ready to get back out there and do again,” said Kevin Hennington.
After the game, the tournament director announced that the Women’s National Basketball Association team the Dallas Wings donated 12 tickets for the Shining Stars and their families to come to their game against the New York Liberty on Monday, July 28.
Another new tradition was awarding the 2025 scholarship Taylor Press 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament recipients, Zakyia Frederick and Harrison Tate.
“We couldn’t have asked for two more deserving students,” Hennington, the director said.
According to Hennington, the tournament is not completely about basketball, but a sense of community. He said while basketball is the avenue, the goal is much bigger.
“It’s about bringing people together and supporting the community,” he said.
Dennis Levitin, who helps with the youth divisions, said the tournament offers more than just the spirit of competition.
“Basketball brings people together,” he said. “Especially our tournament, really embodies that including [players with] special needs and kids. There are people of all shapes, sizes and colors, and I love that.”
The event raised more than $4,000 and gave away more than $3,000 in prizes.
“Even after 12 years, I’m still excited and surprised every year with what we accomplish,” Hennington said. “We are going to celebrate this year for a few more days, then start looking at how we can improve for next year.”
Tournament Director Jason Hennington tells the members of the Blue Menaces to keep their competitive spirit after they competed in the 15- to 17-year-old division. Courtesy photos
Members of the ATX Boyz tighten up their defense against Redemption during the single-elimination round of the tournament.
