The inaugural 3on3 Live Summer League concluded in spectacular fashion, featuring two exhilarating playoff series in both the JV and Varsity divisions. Both championship teams showcased their resilience by bouncing back from Game 1 losses and securing victory in consecutive games.
The JV Series kicked off with an intense clash between the 3-Headed Monsters and Ball Hogs, resulting in a low-scoring Game 1. Both teams seemed plagued by early-game jitters, struggling to reach double-digit scores until the closing moments. Mekhi Buchanan emerged as a standout for the 3-Headed Monsters, single-handedly contributing all 11 points, while the rest of his team faced challenges finding the basket. On the other side, Mare Edwards provided a much-needed boost for the Ball Hogs, scoring 6 of the team's 14 points, including the only 2-pointer of the game. Nolan Martinez added 6 points, and Ricardo Esteves delivered 2 crucial baskets late in the game, securing victory for the Ball Hogs.
In Game 2, Mekhi Buchanan continued his impressive form, captivating the crowd with dazzling baskets and scoring 10 of the team's 13 points. Adrian Ferrer's stifling defense and Jaxson Vorburger's three timely baskets helped the 3-Headed Monsters even the series at 1-1. The Ball Hogs struggled offensively, managing only 9 points, with Nolan Martinez contributing 6 points, Esteves adding 2, and Edwards scoring 1 basket.
Things took a turn for the worst for the Ball Hogs in Game 3, as Mare Edwards suffered an ankle injury just five minutes into the match. Despite Nolan Martinez's valiant efforts to carry the team with 8 points, it wasn't enough to overcome the determined 3-Headed Monsters, who took advantage of the hobbled Ball Hogs and clinched the series with a 2-1 victory.
In the highly anticipated Varsity Series, Game 1 witnessed a dominant performance by Trilogy, securing a commanding 19-12 victory against the Killer 3's. Lucas Silvaria emerged as the standout player for Trilogy, amassing an impressive 11 points. Jordan Da Silva complemented the performance with 4 points of his own and locked down the paint with a couple of impressive blocks. Anthony Gonzalez, who made a triumphant return after missing the previous week, made a big impact with 3 points, including one of his signature leaning two-pointers.
Game 2 was a thrilling contest that went down to the wire. Trilogy's Jae'Shaun Santos led his team with 5 points, including their sole two-pointer. However, the balanced attack of the Killer 3's proved too much for Trilogy to handle. Gabe Williams had an outstanding day, leading his team with 6 points, while Xavier Martinez wowed the crowd with 5 points. Brian Garcia-Haygood also made significant contributions with a couple of timely 2-pointers.
In the decisive Game 3, another close battle ensued. But Lucas Silvaria's impressive team-leading 10 points weren't enough, as his former teammate Gabe Williams rose to the occasion with 8 crucial points. League MVP Xavier Martinez sealed the deal with two clutch two-pointers, propelling the Killer 3's to a thrilling 16-13 victory, and ultimately securing the championship title.
