​The annual 3-on-3 Fourth of July basketball tournament returned to Lions Park on Saturday afternoon, offering a spirited competition among four teams in a double-elimination bracket as they vied for the championship title. The event drew community attention and participation, with organizers highlighting the collaborative spirit that makes the tournament possible year after year.
“I think it went well,” said Jackie Wilhelm, Executive Director of the Othello Chamber of Commerce. “As a chamber, we always rely on volunteers, and this year we had excitement from people who wanted to help and be part of the event.” This renewed sense of volunteer involvement helped the tournament run smoothly from start to finish, with teams stepping in to contribute in meaningful ways beyond simply playing on the court.
A notable twist this year was the active involvement of the participants themselves in planning and execution. The teams volunteered to assist with organizing and running the tournament play, and high school players stepped up to help design the double-elimination bracket for the chamber. Meanwhile, the adult team within the bracket ensured that games proceeded smoothly throughout the competition. Wilhelm recalled that the organizers initially faced some uncertainty, but once they reached out to the players, the response was immediate and enthusiastic: “Yeah, we do this all the time.”
The Ballerz, one of the high school squads, emerged as the champions of the Fourth of July tournament, topping the bracket in a display of skill and teamwork. In keeping with the community-focused ethos of the event, the prize money was split, with the winning team taking home $200 and the remaining $200 returned to fund future community activities and initiatives. This revenue-sharing approach aligns with the chamber’s broader mission to support local programs and projects that benefit residents.
Looking ahead, the chamber is already laying groundwork to expand participation in next year’s tournament. Wilhelm noted that efforts have begun to recruit more teams by leveraging the momentum created by this year’s participants. Bringing in additional teams is seen as a key strategy to increase competitiveness and elevate the event’s profile in the community.
To further enhance future tournaments, Wilhelm plans to devote more effort to promoting sign-ups and exploring new leadership support. She envisions bringing in someone with established experience in the local basketball community to help organize and refine the event, ensuring smooth operations and greater visibility. With the support of high school students and seasoned basketball enthusiasts, the chamber hopes the tournament will become a defining summer tradition in Othello.
“It really takes a village, and many of them sounded excited to want to do this with us next year,” Wilhelm said. “I’m looking forward to that because I know there’s a big interest in basketball.” The planning committee is energized by the success of this year’s format and ready to build on the momentum to attract more teams, broaden community involvement, and enhance the overall experience for players and fans alike. As organizers set their sights on the next edition, the event stands poised to grow into a staple of the Othello summer calendar, reinforcing the town’s love for basketball and community camaraderie.