Getting in the Zone: Secondary Pupils Impress at Inspiration Trust 3X3 Basketball Tournament

On Tuesday 14th May, the second, annual, Inspiration Trust 3X3 Basketball Tournament returned to the University of East Anglia’s Sportspark, with teams in Years 7 to 10 from all nine Inspiration Trust secondary schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk attending. 

Students competed in a round-robin style tournament, with a massive 288 games played in total throughout the day. Players were excited to have the opportunity to showcase their basketball skills, with each academy matching up against each other – 14 basketball courts were running simultaneously with 360 students taking part during the day. The atmosphere was abuzz with excitement! 

Paul Wayman, Trust Sports Coordinator said: 

"Following on from a brilliant football event 6 weeks ago, the Trust 3X3 basketball tournament did not disappoint. Miss Wilkinson and the team worked tirelessly in the lead up to make this a truly special event for the young sports stars. Coordinating the referees, score keepers and timing of games across all 14 courts was no mean feat.  

 

Once again, the students and staff did themselves proud. Players showed such determination, team-spirit and respect for officials and rivals throughout the whole day. This was an incredible sporting event to deliver for the Inspiration Trust schools.” 

This competition was not only an opportunity for seasoned basketball players to hone their skills in a professional environment, but also for those who had not played the game competitively before to experience what it is like, and hopefully become interested and more involved in basketball.  

Those interested in pursuing basketball further have the option to apply to the Inspiration Trust Basketball Academy programme which enables young adults aged 16 to 19 to combine first-class sports coaching with an outstanding academic education at Jane Austen College Sixth Form and/or Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form. Last year’s team set the bar high for future generations, having achieved second place in the Association of Colleges (AoC) East division league in their first ever season. 

The day’s matches were made possible thanks to the support of students and sports leaders from Thomas Paine Sixth Form, Jane Austen College and the Inspiration Basketball Academy. These sports leaders took on roles such as: refereeing, score keeping, results desk and central timing. In addition to officiating games, Basketball England licenced referees were overseeing the sports leaders and ensured that the rules of the tournament were adhered to for the duration. Referees and sports leaders were responsible for nominating students for the MVP (Most Valuable Player) awards.  

All participants were given a certificate, and all teams had their photograph taken which will be framed and sent to be displayed in their respective academy. The day concluded with a prize ceremony to award the winning teams with their medals and trophies. There was a prize for each year group, creating eight winning teams across the day, as well as all-star nominations and the most valuable player from each category. Prizes for the all-star selection were generously donated by Basketball in the Community, which is a local club who offer progressive and inclusive basketball sessions for participants aged six to adult. 

Most Valuable Players:

Year 7 Girls - Lola (CRO) 

Year 7 Boys - Shadrak (KES) 

Year 8 Girls - Nancy (CRO) 

Year 8 Boys - Adnan (HET) 

Year 9 Girls - Josie (HET) 

Year 9 Boys - Armanas (KES) 

Year 10 Girls - Phoebe (GYCA) 

Year 10 Boys - Will (HET)