Sheridan Hoop Jam 3-On-3 Basketball Event Draws Serious And Fun Competition

Sheridan High School was a basketball mecca of sorts this past weekend.

It was the annual 3-on-3 Hoop Jam as teams were put together to play the half-court style game.

Soon to be 8th grader Jackson Martini of Sheridan Junior High says there’s a number of differences between the style of 3-on-3 compared to 5-on-5, besides the difference that’s most obvious.

“It’s more of you opposed to your team. On a regular team you have about 12 people. This you have no more than 5. We went 3 this year and you get to play a lot more. They’re shorter games. It’s a lot of lay-ups, there’s no one really shooting wise. You don’t shoot in 3-on-3, because they’re short game, to only 16, so there’s really no benefit when you’re playing 1s and 2s. This is more of if you have someone who can really shoot lay-ups. That’s really what the key is.”

Soon to be 8th grader Bryce Mowry, also of Sheridan Junior High says some players take the 3-on-3 game seriously and others play for fun.

“You just playing half court basketball with your friends, more having fun with your 3 friends, just hanging out with your friends, having fun. It’s not really going to play and win, it’s more of you just having fun. I feel like it’s either there’s a team that just messes around the whole time, shoots 3s, or there’s the team that actually tries to win and it’s either fun just to do both.”

About 75 teams competed in this year’s Hoop Jam event.