3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Promotes Good Attitudes

This past weekend, the DuPage Township youth department along with community partners including Heart Haven Outreach (H2O) and the Character Counts Coalition hosted its first 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

But this wasn’t your regular run-of-the-mill basketball tournament. There was no trash-talking, pushing, shoving, or getting into each others face. Furthermore, the program reinforced athletes who projected positive character traits.

Teamwork, fair play and commitment were stressed in a number of ways. For starters, each team was required to practice under the director of an adult mentor, who was responsible for introducing and modeling positive aspects of each player's character.

In order to participate, teams must have attended a at least three practices. Because recreational space in Bolingbrook is scarce, various local churches, as well as the village stepped up to offer practice space.

Facilities that were utilized included the Bolingbrook Community Church, Living Water Christian Church, New Life Lutheran Church and New Song Church.

DuPage Township Youth Director Anthony Morelli, who was a key partner in coordinating the tournament, said the practices were beneficial because it allowed coaches and players to build a relationship. 

"When you have that trust—and these kids see people being kind and considerate and having a good time at it—it makes a difference," Morelli said. "We as a community have to make a conscious effort to support all kids. Programs like this go a long way toward doing that."

Another important component was the volunteer services provided by the DuPage Township Food Pantry, Bolingbrook High School and the City of Hope.

The tournament, which was held in the the high school's state-of-the-art gymnasium, held a special importance for participating students. The gym has earned renown as the home of the renowned Lady Raiders girls basketball team—its floor (to the students) thought to have its own ''magical'' power.

Another important component was public acknowledgment for participation. Each student received a recognition certificate. First- and second-place finishers received medallions. 

The biggest award, the Most Valuable Player of Character which came the huge prize of a two-player arcade basketball hoop, went to Elige Peters.

"It was nice to see the parents come out and watch they kids," said H2O coordinator, Ryan Lawrence. "What impressed me was the good sportsmanship that was shown and the character they demonstrated out on the court.

"I credit that to the coaches who worked with them throughout the month, giving them confidence, and teaching them what having character really means."