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Local athletes, special needs players and former champs highlight 12th annual success
TAYLOR — The Taylor Press 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament last week kept players locked in with high-level competition and community connection — and four Bastrop athletes drove home with new rings on their fingers.
After more than a decade, the Taylor Press — sister newspaper of the Courier — continues to improve on a winning formula and draw in local talent. The 12th annual rendition of the 3-perside format registered a total of 35 teams across four divisions, making it the second-largest turnout since the tournament began in 2013, according to organizers.
Splashstrop, representing Bastrop in the main 18-plus division, claimed the championship.
“It was a great weekend to be a fan of basketball,” said tournament director Jason Hennington. “It was so competitive, but also had a high level of sportsmanship. All around, it was another fun tournament.”
The local ballers returned for their second appearance after coming up just short last year in the finals. Organizers said teammates Jayden Mann, Austin Pfender, Jon Gosnell and Ethan Rodella fought hard to earn their jewelry, prizes — including vacation giveaways — and bragging rights. Rodella was named most valuable player of the tournament. Dream Team secured the women’s title, while the Bucket Brothers walked away as youth champions — but Hennington made it clear the tournament is about much more than who comes out on top.
“It’s about bringing people together and supporting the community,” he said.
In a display of that sentiment, the Bucket Brothers presented their rings to the Blue Menaces, who had players aged 10 and 11 but played up a division.
“These young guys made it to the championship against teams that were bigger and more experienced,” Hennington said, calling the gesture the ultimate display of sportsmanship. “They didn’t receive a participation award — they earned those rings.”
This year also introduced a new tradition, as members of Taylor High’s 1995 district championship team suited up to play against tournament co-host Shining Stars, a nonprofit for adults with special needs.
“Basketball brings people together,” said Dennis Levitin, tournament volunteer. “Especially our tournament — it really embodies that, including special needs players and kids. There are people of all shapes, sizes and colors, and I love that.”
The former champions said the appearance was something they were happy to do.
“We were all excited and are ready to get back out there and do it again,” said Kevin Hennington, a former Ducks standout.
After the exhibition, organizers announced that the WNBA’s Dallas Wings donated 12 tickets for the Shining Stars and their families to attend their July 28 game against the New York Liberty.
Also recognized were Zakyia Frederick and Harrison Tate, this year’s scholarship recipients.
The event raised more than $4,000 and distributed $3,000 in prizes. Jason Hennington said the annual gathering continues to build bridges across the community — and there is more on the horizon.
“Even after 12 years, I’m still excited and surprised every year with what we accomplish,” he said. “We are going to celebrate this year for a few more days, then start looking at how we can improve for next year.”
