3 on 3 tournament brings 250 teams to Polson streets
Nicole Tavenner
Berl Tiskus
Berl Tiskus
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Berl Tiskus
Berl Tiskus
Berl Tiskus
Berl Tiskus
Berl Tiskus
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POLSON — Every spot of shade in downtown Polson had someone claiming it. Basketballs, long basketball shorts and people carrying sports drinks and water bottles dominated downtown Polson on July 25-27 for the 22nd annual Flathead 3-on-3 Tournament.
With 16 different divisions, ranging from girls and boys ages 5 to adult, the tournament had many different levels of play.
Most of the teams were there because they love to play basketball, and it’s a fun summer pastime.
That’s the way it is for Matthew Cronk of Kalispell. A rising junior, Matthew plays on Da Cronk team. They’ve come to the Flathead 3-on-3 before.
“It’s really fun,” Matthew said, unlacing his basketball shoes and slipping on sports sandals.
Richard Jackson of Ronan coached his daughter Macao’s team, The Avengers, for ages 10-11.
All the girls like roundball and look forward to 3-on-3 tournaments.
“They lost the first game,” Jackson said, but added that his team rallied.
Asked about any outstanding players, Jackson said, “They’re all good.”
All the Morning Stars were good, too. Lana Page coached the girls, one 9-year-old and the rest 10-year-olds. Playing a tough team of girls with neon green shirts, the Morning Stars settled down and concentrated on their second game. The Stars came from Missoula, Arlee and Florence.
Rich Forbis, sales manager at Anderson Broadcasting, kept things rolling from center court in front of the Cove Deli. Forbis, one of the original co-founders of the event, said about 250 teams registered for the event.
Each team has three members, with many teams also bringing a substitute.
Proceeds from the Flathead 3-on-3 go to local charities, including the Mission Valley Animal Shelter and Polson Booster Club. This year $1,000 is going to Polson Beautification.
Since last year’s event, the community lost a great supporter of the 3-on-3, Buck Young. For 20 years Buck has done everything from officiating to coordinating volunteers, Forbis said. A scholarship has been set up in Buck’s memory, with funds from the Flathead 3-on-3 contributed in his name.
