The Youthtown 3×3 Quest Tour will touch down in Christchurch this Saturday at Pioneer Stadium.
The event will run from 10am-3pm Saturday February 12, and entry is free for all men’s and women’s teams in the Under 15, Under 17, Under 19 and Open age-groups. However, there will be no same-day registrations.
Kat Jones, who plays for the Nelson Sparks and is the wife of former Tall Black Phil Jones, will be suiting up to play in the Quest Tour this weekend and is excited about the opportunity to play alongside her daughter Maia.
“I played 3×3 with Maia at the Seven Stars Invitational in Christchurch late last year and I really enjoyed it. She’s an amazing player who understands the game well and it’s a pleasure to be able to share the court with her,” said Jones.
“I’m also really excited to play with Jodi Hikuroa-Jeffrey and Jo Andrew again – great friends and Sparks from back in the day!”
Jones has played both 3×3 and 5×5 basketball during her career and says the 3×3 game is faster and more physical.
“The 3×3 game is faster and potentially more exciting, plus easier to understand for spectators compared to the 5×5 game. It’s a great summer version of basketball, and a good way to hone your skills in the off-season,” she said.
“It’s much more physical than 5×5 and relies on everyone in the team being a scorer. There is also a huge emphasis on making 2-pointers in 3×3 and being able to make plays in a short amount of time.”
Jones went on to say that the 3×3 game is a great introduction to the game of basketball for players of all ages.
“I think it’s a great introduction to 5×5 basketball as its accessible for any age, and you only need half a court and 6 players for a game. It’s also great for young players as it means that everyone in the team gets to touch the ball and it also teaches them to attack and read the defence.”
At a Glance:
- This Youthtown 3×3 Quest Tour event is this Saturday February 12 at Pioneer Stadium in Christchurch.
- The event is free for players, with Covid restrictions in place to ensure everyone’s safety
- Teams can register online via nz.basketball/3×3/3×3-quest-tour – please note all teams must be registered by Friday February 11. There is no same day registration.
- This is the fourth of six 3×3 Quest Tour events being held around New Zealand over the next three months, with the Quest Final to be held in Auckland on 12 March 2022
- Follow the event on Basketball New Zealand’s social media accounts @BasketballNZ via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.
