MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- A group of Iwakuni basketball fanatics joined up with their Japanese counterparts to take part in the 9th Annual 3-on-3 Big Tournament at the Green Dome in Hiroshima.
During the all-day tournament, 150 teams of three competed on eight different courts for the championship title.
A handful of those teams came from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, and all were dead set on winning.
"We're going to win this tournament," said David Williams, All-Star team member. "It's just a matter of time."
Early in the matches the teams got a chance to watch each other play and size-up the competition, according to Williams.
"I'm really watching how the bigger guys play ball," said Williams. "Most of them are sticking to their shooting game, but they need to get some of the taller players to stay on the glass and get the rebounds."
The teams were made up of players who just can't seem to stay away from the game for very long, according to Damian Bryan, Rough Riders team member.
"I play high school ball," said Bryan. "This is a learning experience for me to play with some older guys and helps me stay on my game for the regular season."
The players were not only given a chance to show their stuff on the court, but also enjoyed the unique opportunity to play Japanese nationals in Hiroshima, according to Rough Riders player James Epps.
"I was really excited about coming here today," said Epps. "I love playing basketball and it always makes you feel good to represent America and participate in something that puts a positive spin on the Marine Corps."
Midway through the event, the Iwakuni 76'ers earned the number one title for the 13- to 15-year-old age bracket.
"We made it through the first couple of teams pretty easily, but then it got a little rough the last two games," said 15-year-old Jamar Oliver of the 76'ers. "We were down by four points in our last match, then came back to get the lead and just held on to it."
The players knowledge of the game and ability to pull together as a team helped them to overcome their opponents in the final minutes of the match up, noted 13-year-old Jacob Williamson of the 76'ers.
"Teamwork, rebounds and everyone playing their positions is how we came through with this one," said Williamson. "I was pretty nervous at the start, but it feels great to take home the title."
Later in the day it was the All-Star's turn as they swept the competition and earned the number one crown in the 16-and-older age bracket.
"I told you we'd win," said Williams. "We just wouldn't settle for anything less."
Despite the intense competition that filled the arena, all who participated took home much more than any championship title could ever offer, noted Williams.
"It was great to come here and play some basketball," said Williams, "but even better yet was the opportunity to interact with our neighbors and share a love of the game."