3x3 Women's Series 2022 Final Review

The 2022 Women's Series all came down to this, two days of competition in Eastern Europe to decide who would be the champions of a momentous season of 3x3 basketball.

Made up of Kacie Bosch, Paige Crozon and the Plouffe twins Michelle and Katherine, Canada came to Constanta in Romania as the top seeds in a high-class field, all of them with their eyes on the prize, which was within each of their grasps. The tournament would begin with the eight teams playing in two pools, the winners of which advancing to the semi finals and joined by the winner of a match-up between the second and third place teams of each.

Canada opened in strong form against the host nation: Katherine had a perfect game on offence, making every one of her shot attempts as she scored ten and also grabbed eight total rebounds. At the same time Crozon contributed four from beyond the arc as Canada scorched Romania in what was the opener for both teams, the final score 22-5.

Canada continued this fiery form against France, the first four points coming from Michelle Plouffe

she and her sister continuing the scoring intensity, doubling their opponents' points while also holding the French to as few points as possible. France's attempts to keep themselves in contention were in vain as Canada stayed the course and saw out victory with a minute remaining. Michelle scored eleven points in their second victory, 21-12.

Play resumed the next day, where Canada looked to build a big lead against Lithuania early on, but the Lithuanians quickly cut it down, only for Canada to respond with five unanswered points. Sharing the ball amongst themselves and creating scoring chances from all spots on the floor, as well as limited the Lithuanian chances, the Canadians amassed an eight-point advantage going into the final stretch.

The Plouffes combined for a game-winning run in the last thirty seconds, ensuring Canada also top Pool A and earn a bye to the semi-finals. Their next opponents would turn out to be Germany, who finished second in the other pool and saw off Romania by seven in the quarter finals to make this match-up.

Once again Canada had the best start with an early 5-1 lead that, despite repeated attempts to break down, kept growing thanks to all on the floor connecting in the low post. With her team trailing by six, Svenja Brunckhorst tried to instigate a German turnaround, to no avail.

Canada went on a 7-0 run that put them to within a point of the final, with Kacie Bosch sealing the deal soon after. Winning here 21-8 with more than 1:30 on the clock, Canada became the first team in the final. What's more, they would avoid another face-off with the USA, who were seen off in the semi finals by France. It all came down to this: top seeds Canada facing the reigning world champions to decide who would be Women's Series champions of 2022.

An early 5-0 Canadian run was responded to by France with six unanswered points of their own and their new lead grew behind open looks from beyond the arc. Holding off the French on offence, Canada slowly clawed their way back into the game with Michelle connecting twice from beyond the arc to restore their lead.

France kept looking but could not find the net while Canada made the most of their time in possession. However their five-point advantage was reduced to two in the final minute and the game sat on a knife edge, but the twins kept their composure and showed why they are so valuable to the Canadian team in crunch time. Michelle and Katherine both scored up close and the former had one last floating layup to seal a famous win.

Michelle capped off what has been an exceptional year of 3x3 for her in style, in Constanta she was also the top scorer, with her sister one of the best rebounders of the final. Everyone on the team contributed in what will go down as their greatest victory on the Women's Series stage.

Canada came to win and that is just what they did. The country's name will now forever be engraved on the Women's Series championship trophy.