Players compete during a game at Meadow Lake’s annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. The event drew 22 teams to Lions Park. (Kenneth Cheung/meadowlakeNOW)

By Kenneth Cheung

FROM TIP-OFF TO SMILES

PHOTOS: Community spirit shines at Meadow Lake 3-on-3 basketball tournament

Sep 2, 2025 | 12:50 PM

The sound of sneakers on pavement and cheers from the crowd filled Lions Park in Meadow Lake on Saturday as 22 teams went head-to-head in the city’s fourth annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

Organizer Aden Wilson, a financial advisor with Sun Life Financial, said the event has become about more than just the games.

“We’ve been having our basketball tournament for the last four years and the goal of the event is just to bring people together in a really friendly, warm environment and for people to be able to compete and just have a really good time,” Wilson said.

“Yeah, that’s our whole goal, bringing in the community together.”

(Kenneth Cheung/meadowlakeNOW)

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Organizer Aden Wilson (Kenneth Cheung/meadowlakeNOW)

(Kenneth Cheung/meadowlakeNOW)

(Kenneth Cheung/meadowlakeNOW)

(Kenneth Cheung/meadowlakeNOW)

The entry fees — $160 per team — are handed back out as cash prizes to the first- and second-place winners. Players also competed in a three-point shootout, with door prizes up for grabs.

For some, the day was about family.

“These are my sons. I raised them into playing basketball and I’ve imagined this day ever since they’re little kids… We did it and we won,” said Denny Heathen of Prince Albert, whose team, Prince Town, captured the senior championship.

“It was awesome. Can’t wait till next year.”

Denny Heathen of Prince Albert receives the senior championship trophy from last year’s winner at Meadow Lake’s 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Aug. 30, 2025. (Kenneth Cheung/meadowlakeNOW)

Players from Evergreen pose with the junior championship trophy at Meadow Lake’s 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Aug. 30, 2025. (Kenneth Cheung/meadowlakeNOW)

On the junior side, Evergreen’s run ended with a championship win that left the players stunned but happy.

“Basketball is my passion,” said team member Patrick Delarosa. “It taught me life lessons.”

His teammate Alex Matthew Secreto, playing his first season of club basketball, said the victory was exhausting but rewarding.

“It is worth it being all tired. But I’m still happy. My team’s happy. Everyone’s happy, and we played with everything we got,” Secreto said.

“This is my first year in the club and I met my friend Patrick … he invited me to it and we luckily got the win.”

For Wilson, seeing families and new players celebrate together is what keeps the event growing.

(Kenneth Cheung/meadowlakeNOW)

(Kenneth Cheung/meadowlakeNOW)

(Kenneth Cheung/meadowlakeNOW)

One of the All-Star winners, Logan Bear. The other player who received the same award is Urijah Heathen. (Kenneth Cheung/meadowlakeNOW)

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com