Shiners, Snack Pics clinch Adagala 3x3 Basketball Tournament

Women’s basketball took centre stage over the weekend as the fifth edition of the Beatrice Adagala 3x3 Basketball Tournament tipped off at Mbale Shalom School in Mbale, Vihiga County, recording more women’s teams than men for the first time in the tournament’s history.

The annual December event, sponsored by Vihiga County Woman Representative Beatrice Kahai Adagala, attracted 17 ladies’ teams and 16 men’s teams, underlining the growing interest in basketball among young women in the region and beyond.

Adagala said the milestone was a strong indicator that deliberate investment in the girl child through sport was bearing fruit, noting that increased female participation remains a key objective of the tournament.

She added that her decision to sponsor basketball was intentional, observing that while many leaders focus mainly on football tournaments, other sports such as basketball, netball and volleyball continue to play a critical role in youth empowerment but often receive limited support.

The tournament's technical organiser, Handel Emmanuel Munzatsi, credited early team registration and improved planning for the smooth running of the competition.

Munzatsi revealed that teams travelled from as far as Nairobi and Mombasa, a sign of the tournament’s growing national appeal.

He expressed pride in the strides made over the years and said plans are in place to further expand the tournament’s reach and impact in future editions.

Apart from competition, the tournament carried a strong social impact component.

The top three teams in both categories were awarded prize money, with winners receiving Sh100,000, second place Sh75,000, and third place Sh25,000.

Teams were also given cartons of sanitary towels, with male players encouraged to champion menstrual health awareness among their peers. Winners of the three-point shooting contest were also recognised.

The semifinals delivered thrilling encounters across both categories.

In the men’s competition, Snack Pics edged Dukes 14–11 to reach the final, while Black Ops defeated Egerton 20–15 in the other semifinal. Dukes later claimed third place after beating Egerton 12–8.

In the women’s semifinals, Shiners overcame Aces 18–14, while Dream Team dominated Troopers 21–6 to book a final spot. Aces went on to beat Troopers 16–7 in the third-place playoff.

Shiners emerged champions in the women’s final after defeating Dream Team 18–11. Dream Team’s standout performers included Maureen Bosibori, who impressed with accurate three-point shooting and aggressive drives, alongside Marsha Ooko. Shiners were led by Joy Mpalia, a Kenya national team player in both 3x3 and 5x5 basketball, and Alexandria Juma.

In the men’s final, Snack Pics clinched the title with a narrow 19–16 win over Black Ops. Vitu Mponella starred for Black Ops, while Snack Pics relied on the experience of Kenya 3x3 international Elisha Odhiambo and Martin Buluma to seal victory.

With participation and competitiveness rising each year, the Adagala 3x3 Basketball Tournament continues to establish itself as a key platform for youth development and women’s participation in sport in Vihiga County and across Kenya.