In the first-ever student-led EF 3v3 basketball tournament, Team Taiwan went 2-2, where their skill and teamwork were put to the test.
The event consisted of 8 student teams, each representing different countries or identities, competing in a bracket for spots to play against the teachers. It felt like a cultural gathering rather than just a basketball game. There was music playing and the sidelines were filled with students and teachers cheering.
Team Taiwan’s first game against the US team started rough. The American team had a mix of fast, tall, and strong players, and Taiwan struggled especially because Jonathan Tseng, one of the players, had an ankle injury just a few days before. Eventually, when Tseng was subbed out for Ethan Chen, they began to lock in. Three consecutive three-pointers by each player started their comeback.
“There was a time our team just couldn’t get any points, like everyone is just bricking,” Yu remembered, “and then we just take our lead, and the USA team can’t cut it out.”
Taiwan then lost against the Japanese team, who were strong throughout the whole tournament; the Japanese players’ agility was hard to handle. After that, they faced the Polish team, which had a strong performance with a mix of good defense, offense, and shooting. However, with the Taiwanese players in better condition and great teamwork, they had a rather dominant win against Team Poland.
The final game against the teachers ended with a loss at 6-7, which was close, but the most memorable. Tseng, a graduating senior who didn’t plan to play and wasn’t even wearing basketball shoes, played anyway. He scored a floater on David Stack, who he described as “one of the best teachers.”
“It’s probably your last game in your high school life,” Tseng said, “so you might as well just go on and play.”
For Tseng, the tournament was a great learning experience and an opportunity to use his knowledge and skills. “As long as I can move my body, even though I had some injuries, I know I can always defend, and my previous coach always told me ‘defense wins the championship,'” he said.
Reflecting on the tournament, Tseng said he learned, “how to manage my own health, how to influence the game even when not in the best condition, and how to enjoy the moment with my friends as much as I can.” Exactly something someone who is graduating soon and cherishing his last high school basketball game would say.
Event organizer Ingram Chung said the tournament had room for growth. For example, better rewards and scheduling, but he was satisfied with the result overall. “If people are having fun, then I’m happy,” he said. This was proven by the number of people who showed up to support and enjoy the games.
“I think it’s well planned, the majority of the people got the chance to step on the court and actually enjoy the game,” Tseng added. The event brought together students of different cultures and backgrounds to enjoy basketball; it was a reminder of what made the EF community special.
