Local teams brought highlights on both ends of the court as the Red Bull 3X USA Basketball Venice Beach Local Qualifier at the iconic Venice Beach courts on Saturday, Oct. 9, in California. The mix of talent included local legends, former college players and domestic and international professionals.
The women’s final pitted 2019 Venice winners LA Premieragainst The UnderratedElite. As the game clock expired, it was LA Premierwho came out on top, defending their title with a final score of 8-5. The repeat women’s roster included Southern Californian’s Jordan Adams, Ruth Adams, Brianna Barrett and Tear’a Laudermill.
“It feels great getting this back-to-back win,” said team captain Barrett. “It’s just so nice being back out here. The pandemic has been hard on everybody, but I’m glad we get to hoop in Venice. I love this place.”
On the men’s side, it was a battle between the Red Bull Squad and Los Fearless, with the Red Bull Squad prevailing in the title game with a final score of 15-9. The 2021 winners featured local phenom and 2019 champion Chris “EverybodyHateChriss” Staples, along with Ryan “Hezi God” Carter, Larry “Buddha” Boyd and six-foot nine-inch Marcus Bell.
“We had a great group of guys who were hungry and wanted to win, and we made sure to get the job done,” said reigning Venice winner Staples. “This is like my home court. There’s been a lot of epic moments on this court, and it feels good to repeat and remind everyone that I’m still the champion.”
The top two men’s and women’s teams at this qualifier advance to the Red Bull USA Basketball 3X Regional in Oakland, California on Oct. 24. The teams also have a chance to play at the 2022 Red Bull USA Basketball 3X Nationals, which will be used to evaluate talent for USA 3×3 Men’s and Women’s National Teams.
RED BULL 3X VENICE LOCAL QUALIFIER
WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKET1. LA Premier – Brianna Barrett, Ruth Adams, Tear’a Laudermill, Jordan Adams
2. Undrafted Elite – Marissa Mandelove, Jasmine Sauser, Drew Edelman, Stella Gutierrez
MEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKET1. Red Bull Squad – Chris Staples, Ryan Carter, Larry Boyd, Marcus Bell2. Los Fearless – Chris Tojin, Jaushay Rockett, Joel Brokenbrougn, Eric Williams
For more information, please visit www.redbull.com/3X.