The gymnasium at the High School for Performing Arts in St. Paul was packed last Saturday evening for the Triple Threat Girls Basketball Showcase.
The crowd was as loud as ever. The coaches’ energy and enthusiasm were matched by the players, who also displayed dedication, teamwork and hustle.
Though former University of Minnesota women’s basketball standout and Triple Threat CEO Crystal Flint serves as the director of Conway Recreation Center through the Sanneh Foundation, she appeared to be in her element, doing what she does.
Flint was hosting the annual showcase featuring some of the metro area’s up-and-coming hoopers grades 6-11.
The Boston, Massachusetts native, who as a player helped the Golden Gophers’ women’s team earn their first-ever NCAA tournament bid in 1994, renamed the event after taking over the then-Shooting Stars Clinic created and facilitated by former Minnesota State High School League Associate Director and former U of M player Lisa Lissimore and former teammate and Gopher great Linda Roberts.
Since taking over, Flint has continued to promote the original mission of Lissimore and Roberts. She made it clear to the capacity crowd that the showcase was created to give girls and women the opportunity to play, coach or officiate the game they love.
“If you notice,” Flint said with enthusiasm and passion, “the players, coaches and officials are all female, African American and people of color. I think it is important to create opportunities for ourselves.”
The showcase featured games for 6th grade, 7-8th grade, 9-10th grade, an 11-12 game and a three-point shooting contest.
There are some who are grateful that Flint has continued the mission to create opportunities for girls. One such person is former Minneapolis Roosevelt boys basketball standout Sam Willis. His daughter, eighth-grader Kiera Willis, who played guard on Benilde-St. Margaret’s Class 3A state championship team last month, participated in the showcase, playing in three games.
“This is her first time in the showcase,” Sam Willis said. “I didn’t even know anything about it until this year. I wish I would have known about this sooner.”
The Tripple Threat Showcase was a success. Flint says she will continue to provide opportunities and experiences for youth in the future.
If Saturday’s showcase is any indication, the future is brighter than ever.
Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader comments to mcdeezy05@gmail.com.