How did hundreds of youth basketball players converge on Northwestern High School for a 3-on-3 tournament. What was the purpose of the event and how was it organized. Which teams emerged victorious in different age divisions.
Northwestern 3-on-3 Tournament: A Showcase of Young Basketball Talent
On Saturday, April 1, Northwestern High School in Maple became the epicenter of youth basketball action as it hosted the Northwestern 3-on-3 basketball tournament. This event brought together hundreds of young hoopsters from various age groups, showcasing their skills and competitive spirit across multiple courts.
The tournament served a dual purpose: providing an exciting platform for young athletes to compete and raising funds for a worthy cause. All proceeds from the event were directed towards supporting the Poplar Wolves basketball program, which caters to players from elementary through high school levels.
Tournament Structure and Organization
To accommodate the large number of participants, the tournament organizers utilized two gymnasiums at Northwestern High School. Within these spaces, they set up a total of 10 active courts, ensuring smooth gameplay and maximum participation.
Each game was overseen by either an adult referee or a high school player, maintaining fair play and order throughout the tournament. This setup not only ensured proper officiating but also provided an opportunity for older students to take on leadership roles and give back to the sport they love.
Age Divisions and Competition Format
The tournament featured multiple age divisions, allowing players to compete against peers of similar skill levels. Some of the notable divisions included:
- Third and Fourth grade division
- Fifth grade division
The 3-on-3 format of the tournament presented unique challenges and opportunities for the young players. With fewer players on each team compared to traditional 5-on-5 basketball, participants had more space to maneuver and showcase their individual skills. This format also demanded excellent teamwork and communication, as each player’s contribution was crucial to their team’s success.
Highlights from the Third and Fourth Grade Division
The Third and Fourth grade division saw intense competition and displayed the raw talent of some of the youngest participants in the tournament. Notable moments included:
- Solon Springs’ Addison Linden (11) showcasing her defensive skills with an impressive steal during a game
- Superior’s Ethan LaBarge demonstrating his rebounding prowess
- Solon Springs emerging victorious in the division championship game against Mellen
In the championship match, Solon Springs’ Kellyn Nelson (22) stood out with her scoring ability, successfully making baskets over the Mellen defense. Her teammate, Olivia Edwards (13), also caught attention with her creative passing, at one point throwing a long pass over her head during the intense final game.
Fifth Grade Division: Superior Teams Dominate
The Fifth grade division showcased some of the most competitive and entertaining matches of the tournament. Two teams from Superior, White and Blue, emerged as the top contenders and faced off in an exciting championship game.
Key moments from the Fifth grade division included:
- Superior White’s Kam Taylor and Superior Blue’s Melo Aiken engaging in a spirited battle for a loose ball
- Northwestern’s Kyan Kroll displaying his passing skills, even while lying on his back
- Superior White’s Myles Murat (1) scoring crucial baskets in the championship game
The championship game between Superior White and Superior Blue was a closely contested affair. Players like Zander Covill (11) and Melo Aiken (2) from Superior Blue battled fiercely against Superior White’s Myles Murat (1), Kam Taylor (5), and Connor Bailey (34) for rebounds and scoring opportunities. Ultimately, Superior White emerged victorious, claiming the Fifth grade division title.
Impact of the Tournament on Youth Basketball Development
Events like the Northwestern 3-on-3 Tournament play a crucial role in the development of young basketball players. They provide numerous benefits that extend beyond the court:
- Competitive experience: Players get to test their skills against peers from different schools and areas.
- Teamwork and communication: The 3-on-3 format emphasizes the importance of working together in small groups.
- Skill development: Participants have more opportunities to handle the ball and make decisions in game situations.
- Confidence building: Success in tournament play can boost a young player’s self-esteem and motivation.
- Community engagement: The event brings together families and basketball enthusiasts from across the region.
Are 3-on-3 tournaments effective in developing young basketball players. Research suggests that these events can indeed be highly beneficial. The smaller team size allows for more touches on the ball, increased decision-making opportunities, and a faster-paced game that improves cardiovascular fitness. Additionally, players must become more versatile, as they need to handle multiple roles on both offense and defense.
Supporting Local Basketball Programs: The Poplar Wolves Initiative
One of the most commendable aspects of the Northwestern 3-on-3 Tournament was its commitment to supporting local basketball programs. By directing all proceeds to the Poplar Wolves basketball program, the event demonstrated the power of community-driven initiatives in nurturing young talent.
The Poplar Wolves program, which serves basketball players from elementary to high school levels, stands to benefit greatly from this support. Such funding can help in various ways:
- Purchasing new equipment and uniforms
- Covering travel expenses for away games
- Providing training resources and clinics
- Maintaining and improving basketball facilities
- Offering scholarships or financial assistance to players in need
How does supporting youth basketball programs benefit the wider community. The positive impacts extend far beyond the court. Youth sports programs like the Poplar Wolves can help reduce juvenile delinquency, improve academic performance, and foster important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and goal-setting. By investing in these programs, communities are essentially investing in their future leaders and productive citizens.
The Role of High School Players and Adult Volunteers
The success of the Northwestern 3-on-3 Tournament relied heavily on the contributions of high school players and adult volunteers who served as referees for the games. This aspect of the event highlights the importance of mentorship and community involvement in youth sports.
By involving high school players as referees, the tournament organizers created a unique opportunity for older students to:
- Develop leadership skills
- Gain a deeper understanding of the rules and nuances of basketball
- Serve as role models for younger players
- Give back to the sport and their community
The presence of adult volunteers alongside these high school referees ensured a balance of experience and fresh perspectives in officiating the games. This collaborative approach not only maintained the integrity of the competition but also fostered a sense of community and shared responsibility for the development of youth basketball in the region.
Capturing the Action: The Importance of Sports Photography
The vivid images captured by photographer Jed Carlson bring the excitement and energy of the Northwestern 3-on-3 Tournament to life. Sports photography plays a crucial role in documenting these events, preserving memories, and inspiring future generations of athletes.
Some of the most compelling shots from the tournament include:
- Superior’s Cullen Izzard taking a shot over Drummond’s defense in the Third and Fourth grade division championship
- The intense floor battle between Superior White’s Kam Taylor and Superior Blue’s Melo Aiken
- Northwestern’s Chase Moss (14) executing a perfect jump shot
- The focused expression of Superior Blue’s Zander Covill (11) as he eyes a rebound
How does sports photography contribute to the overall experience of youth tournaments. High-quality images serve multiple purposes:
- They provide tangible memories for players and families
- They can be used for promotional materials to attract more participants in future events
- They offer coaching tools for analyzing player form and game situations
- They help tell the story of the event to a wider audience through media coverage
In the age of social media, these photographs also play a significant role in sharing the excitement of the tournament beyond those who were physically present, potentially inspiring more young athletes to get involved in basketball.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Youth Basketball in the Region
Events like the Northwestern 3-on-3 Tournament are vital for the continued growth and development of youth basketball in the Duluth-Superior area and surrounding regions. By providing a platform for young players to showcase their skills, compete in a fun environment, and support local basketball programs, these tournaments lay the foundation for a bright future in the sport.
As the Poplar Wolves and other youth basketball initiatives benefit from the funds raised through this event, we can expect to see:
- Increased participation in youth basketball programs
- Improved facilities and equipment for young players
- More opportunities for skill development through clinics and camps
- Stronger connections between high school programs and youth feeder systems
- A rise in the overall quality of basketball played in the region
What long-term effects can we anticipate from investing in youth basketball. By nurturing young talent and providing ample opportunities for growth, the region may see an increase in the number of players advancing to higher levels of competition, including collegiate and potentially professional basketball. Moreover, the life skills and values instilled through these programs will contribute to developing well-rounded individuals who can positively impact their communities in various ways.
As the success of the Northwestern 3-on-3 Tournament demonstrates, the passion for basketball runs deep in this community. With continued support and investment in youth programs, the future of basketball in the Duluth-Superior area and beyond looks brighter than ever.
Photos: Hoopsters head to Maple for 3-on-3 – Superior Telegram
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Superior’s Cullen Izzard gets a shot up over the Drummond defense in the championship of the Third and Fourth grade division at the Northwestern 3-on-3 Tournament at Northwestern High School in Maple on Saturday, April 1. Drummond defeated Superior for the title.
Jed Carlson / Superior Telegram
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Jed Carlson
April 05, 2023 at 8:00 AM
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MAPLE — Hundreds of youth basketball players converged on Northwestern High School Saturday, April 1, for the Northwestern 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
The money raised from the tournament went to the Poplar Wolves basketball program, which serves basketball players from elementary to high school levels. There were 10 total courts active in the two gymnasiums at NHS, with an adult or a high school player refereeing each game.
Solon Springs’ Addison Linden (11) steals a pass during her game in the Third and Fourth grade division at the Northwestern 3-on-3 Tournament at Northwestern High School in Maple on Saturday, April 1.
Jed Carlson / Superior Telegram
Superior White’s Kam Taylor laughs as Superior Blue’s Melo Aiken sits on his stomach while he scrambles for control of a loose ball with Jack Granlund during the championship game of the Fifth grade division at the Northwestern 3-on-3 Tournament at Northwestern High School in Maple on Saturday, April 1. Superior White defeated Superior Blue.
Jed Carlson / Superior Telegram
Superior’s Ethan LaBarge, left, snags a rebound during a game in the Third and Fourth grade division at the Northwestern 3-on-3 Tournament at Northwestern High School in Maple on Saturday, April 1.
Jed Carlson / Superior Telegram
Northwestern’s Kyan Kroll passes the ball around Superior Blue’s Zander Covill while he lays on his back during a game in the Fifth grade division at the Northwestern 3-on-3 Tournament at Northwestern High School in Maple on Saturday, April 1.
Jed Carlson / Superior Telegram
Superior White’s Myles Murat (1) scores a bucket during the championship game of the Fifth grade division at the Northwestern 3-on-3 Tournament at Northwestern High School in Maple on Saturday, April 1. Superior White defeated Superior Blue for the championship.
Jed Carlson / Superior Telegram
Solon Springs’ Kellyn Nelson (22) scores a basket over the Mellen defense during the Third and Fourth grade division championship at the Northwestern 3-on-3 Tournament at Northwestern High School in Maple on Saturday, April 1. Solon Springs won the division.
Jed Carlson / Superior Telegram
Northwestern’s Chase Moss (14) shoots a jumper during a game in the Fifth grade division at the Northwestern 3-on-3 Tournament at Northwestern High School in Maple on Saturday, April 1.
Jed Carlson / Superior Telegram
Superior Blue’s Zander Covill (11) eyes up a rebound as he and teammate Melo Aiken (2) battle Superior White’s Myles Murat (1), Kam Taylor (5) and Connor Bailey (34) during the championship game of the Fifth grade division at the Northwestern 3-on-3 Tournament at Northwestern High School in Maple on Saturday, April 1.
Superior White defeated Superior Blue for the championship.
Jed Carlson / Superior Telegram
Solon Springs’ Olivia Edwards (13) throws a long pass over her head during theThird and Fourth grade division championship at the Northwestern 3-on-3 Tournament at Northwestern High School in Maple on Saturday, April 1. Solon Springs won the division.
Jed Carlson / Superior Telegram
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Jed Carlson
Jed Carlson joined the Superior Telegram in February 2001 as a photographer. He grew up in Willmar, Minnesota. He graduated from Ridgewater Community College in Willmar, then from Minnesota State Moorhead with a major in mass communications with an emphasis in photojournalism.
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Cougar caught on 3 Northland trail cameras – Duluth News Tribune
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Yet another cougar has moved across the Northland, heading east into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Trail camera photographs taken in northern Douglas County on July 25, in Iron County on Aug. 30 and near Ontonagon, Mich., on Sept. 8 appear to show …
This trail camera image taken in northern Iron County on Aug. 30 shows a radio-collared cougar. Trail cam photos from Douglas County and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula appear to show the same cougar. (Submitted photo)
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John Myers
September 20, 2011 at 11:49 PM
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Yet another cougar has moved across the Northland, heading east into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Trail camera photographs taken in northern Douglas County on July 25, in Iron County on Aug. 30 and near Ontonagon, Mich., on Sept. 8 appear to show the same collared cougar, said Adrian Wydeven, a wildlife biologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Wydeven said all three photographs were reported to DNR staff several days after the photos were taken, so there’s been no chance to gather DNA evidence to confirm it is the same animal.
“But considering we don’t get many confirmed cougars like this, and to have more than one with a collar and an ear tag — that would be unlikely,” Wydeven said.
The three sightings of a single animal reveal something about the number of cougars and the number of cameras, he said.
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“It tells me there must be a whole lot of these cameras out in the woods for this to show up three times. If there were more cougars, they would be showing up, too,” Wydeven said. “It’s getting to be an animal can’t sneak around at all in the woods any more without having its picture taken.”
With apparently hundreds — maybe thousands — of trail cameras out there snapping photos, this is only the second confirmed cougar in the past two years. That tells Wydeven there are not a lot of the big cats roaming the Northland.
While several cougars are reported each year to natural resource officials in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, few sightings are verified.
Even when photographs are reported, most turn out to be other animals such as bobcats or fishers, Wydeven said.
The recent sightings constitute the first confirmed cougar report in northern Wisconsin since early 2010, when a cougar was spotted and confirmed with DNA evidence in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan before moving even farther east. That cougar amazed wildlife experts by showing up dead in June, hit by an SUV in Connecticut. It’s believed to be the farthest-roaming wild cat ever documented, more than 1,600 miles from its probable birthplace in South Dakota’s Black Hills.
Wydeven said the collar on the latest cougar — clearly showing in the Iron County game trail camera photograph — at first confused him because it was unlike most new radio or GPS signal collars used by natural resource agencies to track animals. But, after checking with cohorts in other states, Wydeven said it appears South Dakota has used some small radio-transmitter collars that look like the one on the cougar.
Most of the few cougars seen in the Northland are believed to be from the western Dakotas, the closest reproducing population. Then again, South Dakota didn’t think it was missing any of its collared cats. And most radio-collared cougars are females, while most far-roaming cougars are males.
“So that’s a bit perplexing,” Wydeven said. “And it’s interesting that there seems to be some pattern here of these cats wanting to move east.”
Steve Loch, a wildlife biologist from Babbitt who tracks and tries to verify cougar sightings across the Upper Midwest, said there were no recent reports of an ear-tagged and collared cat moving across Minnesota. The 2010 Wisconsin cat, by contrast, was first seen and confirmed in Minnesota.
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“Our immigrant lions are from the west. … They just keep heading east,” Loch said. “Young males are looking for females; when they do not find any, they keep moving.”
Cougars also are called mountain lions and pumas.
This detail from a trail camera image taken in northern Iron County on Aug. 30 shows a radio-collared cougar. Trail cam photos from Douglas County and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula appear to show the same cougar. (Submitted photo)
This detail from a trail camera image taken in northern Iron County on Aug. 30 shows a radio-collared cougar. Trail cam photos from Douglas County and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula appear to show the same cougar. (Submitted photo)
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John Myers
John Myers reports on the outdoors, natural resources and the environment for the Duluth News Tribune. You can reach him at [email protected].
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Split Rock Lighthouse, one of Minnesota’s most famous landmarks, located in Two Harbors, Minnesota
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Digital artwork produced by Carol M. Highhet to represent her original film transparency; some details may differ between film and digital images. Shipwrecks from a powerful November 19 storm05 spurred the construction of this enduring landmark. Founded in 1910 by the American Lighthouse Service. Restored in the 1920s, the lighthouse offers a glimpse into lighthouse life in this remote and impressive location. Title, date, subject and keywords provided by the photographer. Line of Credit: Charts archived by Carol M.
Highlight, Library of Congress, Prints and Graphs Division. Gift and purchase; Carol M. Highfeth; 2011; (DLC/PP-2011:124). Part of the Selects series archived by Carol M. Highth.
Carol Highsmith, Library of Congress Collection
In 2015, documentary photographer Carol Highsmith received a letter from Getty Images accusing her of copyright infringement for posting one of her photographs on her own website. He demanded a payment of $120. This is how Highsmith learned that stock photo agencies Getty and Alamy sent out similar threatening letters and charged users of her images, which she donated to the Library of Congress for free use by the general public.
In 2016, Highsmith filed a $1 billion copyright infringement lawsuit against Alami and Getty, alleging they “grossly misused” 18,755 photographs of her. “The defendants [Getty Images] have clearly misappropriated Ms. Highsmith’s generous gift to the American people,” the complaint reads. “[They] are not only illegally charging license fees .
.. but falsely and deceptively positioning themselves as exclusive copyright holders.” According to the lawsuit, Getty and Alami sold licenses on their websites to thousands of photographs of Highsmith, many without her name and stamped with “fake watermarks”. (details: http://hyperallergic.com/314079/photographer-files-1-billion-suit-against-getty-for-licensing-her-public-domain-images/)
Lots and Lots of Lighthouses
The collection/dataset uses media from the world’s largest public domain source Picryl.com. It is made in two steps – first manually picked, and then, found semi-automatically, with aid of image recognition, it comprises of more than 5,000 images.
Everything in the collection is in the public domain, so there is no limitation on the dataset usage – educational, scientific, or commercial.
Collection – Carol Highsmith, Library of Congress Collection
In 2016, Carol Highsmith filed a $1 billion copyright infringement lawsuit against Alami and Getty, alleging they “grossly misused” 18,755 of her photographs .
Collection – Lots and Lots of Lighthouses
Public Domain Dataset of 5,000+ Lighthouses
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split rock lighthouse
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Carol M Highsmith
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Carol M Highsmith America
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01/01/1980
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Highsmith, Carol M., 1946-, photographer
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Two Harbors (Minn.), 47.02278, -91.67083
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