3-on-3 basketball brings out the bold

  • Published
  • By Jennifer Brugman
  • 60th AMW Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  They competed for glory, honor and a six-inch tall plastic trophy. 

The 3-on-3 basketball tournament at the Travis Fitness Center was a lightening rod for the bold, the brash and the band. 

Fourteen teams from across the base took part in the “March Madness” style tournament March 17. The first and second place winners earned trophies and commanders’ points. 

Everyone else had to settle for a handshake and the free Mike and Ike candy from the 60th Services Squadron at the scoring table. 

Before taking to the court, most teams were optimistic. 

“We’re going to claim number one,” said Jeffery Comer, 60th Aerial Port Squadron. “We’re going to be the top team.” 

Comer’s team was defeated in the first round by the 60th Medical Support Squadron – a team featuring the 11-year-old ringer, Nate Gibbons. 

Gibbons, a sixth grader, who is approximately four feet-nothing, did not score against the 60th APS but he did garner two rebounds and two assists. 

The fine line between optimism and delusion continued with the 60th Security Forces Squadron team. 

“I’m feeling pretty confident,” said Franklin Shumpert, 60th SFS. “Everyone is looking at us as the team to beat.” 

He dismissed the competition by saying, “I’ve seen these guys warm up.” 

The 60th SVS defeated the 60th SFS team 15 to 10 in the first round. 

The only non-smack talkers were the USAF Band of the Golden West, who in an effort to destroy band geek stereotypes, won their first game. 

“The percussionists are good with their hands. I play a wind instrument and that helps with breathing,” said Greg Gallant, the USAF Band of the Golden West team captain and clarinet player. 

The band team has been playing intramural basketball all year. 

“We’re just starting to gel,” Gallant said. “We’ve got two good games [left] in us.” 

The chiefs defeated the band in the second round 15 to 12. 

Ultimately, the 60th SVS battled the chiefs for superiority with services coming out on top with a score of 15 to 6. 

Maybe it was the candy.