Oxford Academy’s ASB Senate hosted the annual 3v3 Games from April 15 to 18, expanding the event from a basketball-only tournament to a multi-sport competition with the new addition of soccer and volleyball. The change aimed to embrace more inclusivity and showcase the athletic talents of students.
“In the past few years, this event was known as 3v3 Basketball. However, starting this year, we decided to change it to 3v3 Sports by including two additional sports: volleyball and soccer. We wanted to create more inclusion and variation for our students to be able to have a choice in which sport they wanted to participate,” Special Events committee Esther Kwon, sophomore, said.
Each sport featured a bracket-style tournament with separate junior high and high school divisions, where teams competed until a final winner was crowned.
However, the planning behind the games was anything but simple. Adding two new sports meant that Senate had to manage more logistics ranging from new rules to equipment and prizes.
“The planning process was a bit hectic this year because we added two new sports, and it required us to prepare triple the rules [and] slides for the informational meeting, facilities, and equipment. We also had to widen the variety of gifts,” Special Events committee, Shion Lee, sophomore, said.
Senate’s Special Events committee led planning efforts for this event, handling budgeting, publicity, and ongoing tasks across Senate.
In the junior high division for basketball, teams like S.K.A.A.M.ers and I Don’t Run It fostered tight competition on the court. Ultimately, Spice Social Squad came out on top with four wins and two losses.
“My favorite memory was the championship. The adrenaline and energy in a championship game is one of the best experiences.” freshman Elijah Passion said.
The high school division featured teams such as NCB, BTS, bum squad, The Three Man, Team Meesh, Solfeggio, and Drive and Kick. In the end, it was The Anomaly and ’Em who claimed the title.
“[The games] were pretty competitive but overall I had a lot of fun. I had a lot of laughter and I felt like it was a good time to go with my friends especially as a senior, it’s good to get in the last memories so it was a good time,” senior Gabriel Chaparro said, “The championship game was my favorite. It was a tie so we ended up going into overtime so it was like a sudden death game. We ended up scoring in the last few seconds and me and my team celebrated and ran around the field.”
The junior high soccer teams showcased teamwork and agility where Barcelona FC came out on top against Tekky Takas in a “first to three goals” rule.
The upper division soccer bracket featured four teams: Little Boys, Carlos Loves Madrid, Santos FC, and 5ive Guys FC. Carlos Loves Madrid took the championship spot, marked by a mix of skill and sportsmanship.
The upper division for volleyball featured a showdown between Cooners and NJZ, with Cooners ultimately taking the win. Matches were played in three timed sets, with rules such as the no-net-touch and three-hit max which added difficulty to both teams.
At the end of the tournament, participants received Gatorade bottles, while champions in each sport were awarded medals, sports-themed toys, and even temporary tattoos.
“I think it’s intimidating to try something new, especially if you’re in junior high or an underclassmen, but you should take advantage of any event that’ll help you make memories that’ll last until you graduate.” sophomore Trisha Hua said.
Senate’s new format proved successful in encouraging wider student participation. The multi-sport setup will likely become a lasting part of Oxford’s campus culture and memories to come.
