3x3 2025 Wrap Up

Last Saturday and Sunday, we held our annual 3x3 Tournament at the Mangawhai Activity Zone. The atmosphere was excellent, and the weather was roasting, testing the players’ endurance despite the games only being 10 minutes long.

This year, we had teams from as far North as Kaikohe and as far south as Whangaparāoa.

The men's division had some impressive entries, which culminated in a high-level final between Alex Manuell's "The Rizzards" vs Ethan Penney's "Redemption Seekers". Alex Manuell was looking for a hattrick of wins in the competition but ultimately came up short against the team he defeated last year from Whangarei. Shoutout to the Kaipara Wahine playing in the men's division.

The Raiders club from Whangarei invaded the u16's division entering four teams into the competition. However, in the end it was a local derby that settled the division. "Shawty" comprising of Liam Brennan, Jordan Davis, Nonchalant Nikau Tandy and Sam 007 Bond played off against "TBC" featuring Kael Donaldson, Ethan Barlow, Donovan The Don Lege. It was a seesaw battle throughout the final, with TBC seemingly winning in regular time on a Barlow shot from deep, only for Davis to make a miraculous reverse layup to send it to overtime. In overtime, both teams traded buckets. Up stepped Kael Donaldson to hit the clutch game-winning jump shot and vanquish his Otamatea teammates.

The u12 Mixed division was great fun, showcasing the young talent from around our rohe. The comp had first time players and some local veterans. The two teams that faced off in the final were Glam Slam from Hibiscus Coast and
Kaipara K-pop. Both girls' teams were familiar foes, having played together for Coast at the Mel Young Classic earlier this year. Glam Slam played without a sub all tournament, and battled hard. Vasiti Taufa was a strong defender and capable outside threat; Charlotte Holmes was an excellent ball handler and finisher near the hoop; and Emme Law was a menace on the defensive side of the ball. Kaipara K-pop proved too strong, utilising the all-around dominance of Kacey Barnes, crafty passing and finishing of Amani Worsfold and excellent link play from Niwa Kawana-Pool and Awana Alway.

A special shoutout to our committee for making this happen, our MC's Blake and Kalem, Mateo and Ivan on the BBQ, our talented group of referees, Kate and the MAZ team for their excellent facilitation and, of course, support
from the following local sponsors...

*       Bammas
*       Mangawhai Heads Four Square
*       Mangawhai New World
*       Brewed As
*       Mangawhai Meat Shop
*       BK Sushi
*       Mangawhai Pharmacy
*       Stirling Sports Warkworth
*       Bennetts Chocolates
*       Rural Design

Check out more photos from the event here: https://peoplebypamela.pixieset.com/kaipara3x3-1/