Teammates rushed together in a swirl of hugs as Albion A’s eighth-grade girls claimed Canyons School District’s middle school intramural 3-on-3 basketball championship, capping their middle school careers with a third straight title.

Parents and friends cheered and rushed the court to snap photos of the team with a Hulk-style trophy – one hand gripping the rim and the other palming a basketball – capturing the energy of “The Real March Madness.”

The team said their final run was as much about friendship as continuity in winning.

 “We all decided to play together; we play together on the comp team, Brighton Bengals Bantam, outside of school so this is our chance to play together for our school,” eighth-grader Lily Pohlman said.

Her teammate, Jane Kasteler, added: “We want to represent Albion; it’s been a fun three years playing for our school.”

While playing together has translated into strong on-court chemistry, Lexi Frye and her teammates were quick to credit the adults who coached them.

“Our coaches are supportive,” player Hana Alger said. “They're always here, wanting the best for us.”

Teammate Harper Misik added: “Our coaches taught us different plays and helped us in practice; they make us better.”

Those coaches include Brooke Harris, Dante Ross, Cory Christianson and “coach Ragdun.”

Even though the girls were excited to capture the title, Lily said it wasn’t the highlight.

“The best part definitely is getting to know each other better. We met in sixth grade, but now we’re not just teammates, we’re good friends,” she said.

Harris, who has coached intramurals for nine years, said making those connections is the heart of the program.

“It’s great to get the kids out, meeting each other and creating the best memories,” she said. “3-on-3 doesn’t take a lot of time as an extracurricular with practicing only once per week, but they’re active, they’re bonding with each other and they’re having fun in the competition.”

This is the second time Harris had the same team win a title in every grade. 

The championship also earned the Albion eight-graders a bonus reward. Principal Eric Gardner promised them root beer floats if they won their third title.

In the eighth-grade division, second place went to Indian Hills A, followed by Mt. Jordan A in third and Eastmont A in fourth.

In sixth-grade girls play, Draper Park A took first, with Albion B in second; Eastmont third; and Mt. Jordan, fourth. The seventh-grade girls bracket was won by Draper Park A, followed by Draper Park B, Midvale and Butler.

A memorable moment came during the sixth-grade boys tournament.

“Both the first- and second-place game and the third- and fourth-place game where tied when the games ended so it went into sudden victory free throws,” said intramurals coordinator Taylor Hansen. “The first- and second-place game had to go four players deep until a basket was made and the third- and fourth-place game, three players deep.”

That resulted in Eastmont beating out Mt. Jordan for the championship and Draper Park claiming third place over Albion.

In boys seventh grade, Butler B won, followed by Draper Park B, Butler A and Mt. Jordan A. The eighth-grade boys bracket was won by Butler A, followed by Butler B, Albion and Draper Park B.