The Perse to host Inaugural 3×3 Basketball Tournament
The Perse is launching a brand-new 3×3 basketball tournament, believed to be the first of its kind in the local area, and is inviting schools across the region to take part.
Organised in partnership with Perse Sport, the tournament aims to bring together up to 10 schools in a fast-paced, accessible format that reflects the growing popularity of the smaller-sided game.
Why 3×3?
The idea grew out of conversations between teacher Sam Patterson and coaches from local schools, with a recurring question emerging: wouldn’t it be good to have something in a smaller format? For good reason — many schools simply don’t have the numbers to field a full team for a traditional basketball game. With only six or seven players, a 3×3 format opens the door to competitive play that might otherwise be out of reach.
But accessibility isn’t the only draw. “3×3 is very much the direction the sport is heading,” says Sam.
“Think T20 cricket compared to the one-dayers: shorter, faster, a bit more exciting.”
What to Expect on the Day
The tournament will cater to under-18s, with around nine or 10 schools expected, each bringing a couple of teams, meaning as many as 60 to 70 pupils could take part, both girls and boys.
Games will be played under official FIBA 3×3 rules, with each match lasting ten minutes or until a team reaches 21 points, whichever comes first. Teams are made up of four players, with three on the court at any time and continuous substitutions allowed throughout.
Two courts will run simultaneously in the Old Sports Hall, with a combination of fixed and portable scoreboards keeping things moving. The most likely format is two round-robin groups followed by playoffs and placing games, depending on final numbers.
Qualified Level 2 referees will officiate, while scorekeeping will be handled by trained student volunteers from The Perse. This represents a great opportunity for pupils who have gained their qualifications and are keen to put them to use.
A First for the Area
Nothing quite like this has been run locally before. The hope is that it will grow in future years, potentially expanding to include younger age groups or separate boys’ and girls’ competitions.
How to Enter
The entry fee is £20 per team, which goes towards refereeing costs. Schools are asked to register by Friday 27 March.
Interested in participating? Contact Sam at sapatterson@perse.co.uk