Hoops showcase elevates competition
After 13 years, the level of competitiveness continues to grow at the Taylor Press 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament.
Held this past weekend, July 11-12 at Taylor High School, the event saw 28 teams across four divisions competing at a high level on both days.
“This tournament was arguably the most competitive we’ve ever been in,” said BJ Tealer of Snipe Squad, who won this year’s tournament. “The first day didn’t go so well. But the second day went better.”
Tealer has played in every tournament since the event began in 2013. He has won five championships so far, more than any other player to compete.
“I’m just grateful to have been a part of this tournament for 13 years! The cause and impact this tournament has for the Shining Stars, students and the community is worth it. I’ll be looking forward to the next one. Although I’m not 18 anymore. So, I may need some ice,” laughed.
This year, Tealer said his favorite part of the tournament was seeing his teammate Jacob Birnbaum hit the game winning shot to claim the championship.
Dennis Levitin, who helps coordinate the youth divisions of the tournament said he enjoys watching the kids play with heart and passion every game.
“The spirit of the tournament was good as always,” he said. “The 11 to 14 championship was intense, and it’s fun to see these kids once a year annually return and we get to see how they develop from year-to-year.”
Kristhopher Reese of Elgin, who has won multiple championships, returned this year and made it to the final game.
“Both teams were formidable, but only one could emerge victorious,” he said. “Congratulations to Snipe Squad for their triumph in the tournament. No Letting Up will undoubtedly become champions in the future for 2027 if the good lord says the same.”
Newcomer to the tournament Tracy Holbrook felt the competitiveness in the air at every level, including the women and youth divisions, and felt the way the tournament operated made the atmosphere better.
“I enjoyed the environment, there was good competition, no arguments, just good basketball and a friendly and welcoming environment of all skill levels,” he said. “I like how organized everything was and how games started right after each other. There wasn’t really that long of a wait and games were on time for the most part.”
On Saturday, teams played for seeding, and Sunday was single elimination. Prior to the championship game, the Shining Stars took the floor against the Taylor Duck 1995 district champions.
“My favorite part is always getting to see my old classmates and playing against the Shining Stars,” said Eric Hunt, class of 1995. “The smiles on their faces when we play them is priceless.”
For a second consecutive year, Hunt has played in the tournament and with the 1995 alumni team. Similar to last year, the alumni team brought back former players, however the number more than doubled and went from four to 10 players.
“This game has always been one of my favorite parts of the tournament,” said Jason Hennington, tournament director. “Not just seeing the Shining Stars compete, but watching the fans the last minute of the game surround the court and applaud them. It’s a beautiful sight to see.”
Reese, Tealer and Levitin all agreed that the Shining Stars game is a great spectacle for the tournament because it shows a sense of community.
“I think the tournament went great as usual. I really enjoy how it brings everyone together not only from Taylor but surrounding areas,” Hunt said.
“It was great to see their enthusiasm is contagious to everyone around them and always put smiles on people’s faces,” Levitin said.
The annual tournament raised a little over $4,000 this year.
“I’m just grateful for everyone who played, donated, watched and helped this year,” Hennington said. “We don’t make it to year 13 without the help of the community. I look forward to putting number 14 together.”
