Buckfield 3×3 Signals Revival of Organized Hoops in Jamaica’s Northern Conference
After a lengthy hiatus from organized basketball activity in Jamaica’s Northern Conference, the Buckfield 3×3 Basketball Tournament has delivered exactly the kind of spark the region needed. Held in Ocho Rios, the event was met with an enthusiastic response from both players and fans, signaling that appetite for the sport remains very much alive in St. Ann and St. Mary. More than 40 players showed up to compete, with teams travelling from as far as Kingston and Montego Bay to battle for cash prizes, trophies, and medals. The turnout left organizers visibly elated and validated their decision to bring competitive basketball back to the north. The Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA) lent its full support to the initiative. Khurt Comrie, JaBA’s 2nd Vice President, was on hand at the event and donated the championship trophy on behalf of the Association. “What was good is that the organizers on the ground here in Ocho Rios saw the need to get basketball bouncing again,” said Comrie. “They reached out for support and we couldn’t miss the opportunity to help restart basketball in St. Ann and St. Mary, and this is just a first step to doing so.” What made the occasion even more significant is that the Buckfield 3×3 is a certified FIBA 3×3 event. That designation means every player who competed earned official FIBA 3×3 ranking points, which will contribute to the continued improvement of Jamaica’s standing in international 3×3 basketball. On the court, Hoopers from St. Ann were crowned Champions, claiming top honours in front of a home crowd. Team Unknown from Montego Bay put in a strong performance to finish as runners-up, while Buckfield rounded out the podium in third place. The event is being celebrated not only as a competitive success, but as a community one, proof that when local organizers and national bodies work together, basketball can thrive anywhere on the island. JaBA looks forward to building on this momentum as part of a broader effort to grow the game throughout Jamaica’s northern parishes.