Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Sun Fall To Sky in Game One

By Bob Phillips

UNCASVILLE—At this time of the season, a nine-day break can mean a couple of things. On the one hand, it gives players a chance to rest and recover from the bumps and bruises—major and minor—accrued over the course of a long season. On the other hand, it can throw a team off its rhythm.

For the Connecticut Sun, the top-seeded team in the WNBA postseason tournament, the first day back in the office seemed to be more a case of the second. The team, in search of its first WNBA championship and coming off a 14-game winning streak, dropped its first game in over a week to the Chicago Sky—the No. 6 seed—101-95 in double overtime before 4,720 fans at the Mohegan Sun Arena on Tuesday night.

Jonquel Jones, who earlier had been named the league’s Most Valuable Player of the regular season, led the Sun with a 26-point, 11-rebound effort, while Brionna Jones (22 points, 10 rebounds) and DeWanna Bonner (13 points, 10 boards) also put up double-doubles for Connecticut. Longtime Sun nemesis Candace Parker led the Sky with a strong all around game (22 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists), with Allie Quigley (19 points), Kahleah Copper (13 points) and Courtney Vandersloot (12 points) also scored in double digits for the visitors. Indeed, Vandersloot, who also grabbed 10 boards and handed out a playoff-record 18 assists, became just the second player in league history to record a triple-double in the playoffs. Former Houston Comets star Sheryl Swoopes was the other player to put up a triple-double in the 2005 playoffs.

The game, which featured 14 lead changes and 15 ties, was tight from start to finish. Chicago led by three at the first turn and took a one-point lead, 47-46, into the locker room at intermission. Chicago maintained a slim lead, 66-63 at the third turn while the Sun came back to win the fourth quarter by three points, sending the game into an extra session.

After both teams scored seven points in the first extra session, Chicago took the second OT period 10-4 for the margin of victory. It was just the fifth double OT game in WNBA playoff history.

“We missed shots, missed assignments, we missed free throws, we missed layups… some things uncharacteristic of us,” said Bonner.

“We had some chances,” added Curt Miller, who was named the WNBA Coach of the Year before game-time. “We took 13 more shots and we took 10 more fould shots. We just weren’t efficient enough tonight offensively to overcome the offensive juggernaut [the Sky] can be and for how much Slooty can really, really influence a game.”

Next game will be on Thursday, and it’s a must-win situation for the Sun, who lost their home-court advantage with the Game 1 loss. “We know we can play better,” Bonner said. “We have to play better or we’re going to be down 0-2.”

Tip-off at the Mohegan Sun Arena is slated for 8 p.m., and the game will be televised on ESPN2.

—with staff reports

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Thursday, September 16, 2021

Bridgeport Isles Release Promo Sked

By Bob Phillips

BRIDGEPORT—The Bridgeport Islanders—the team formerly known as the Sound Tigers—have released their promotional schedule for the 2021-22 season. All of the Islanders’ 36 home games will feature a new or returning promotion, theme, or exclusive giveaway item. Individual-game tickets are now on sale.

The promotional lineup features major theme nights that will headline many Islanders’ home games, some for the very first time. Those include Maverick Night (Nov. 6), Superhero Weekend (Dec. 4-5), Star Wars Night (Feb. 26) and Pokémania (Apr. 10). Hockey & Hops also returns for three times the fun (Nov. 26, Mar. 4, and Apr. 8).

“This is something you don’t see a lot, a key promotion during every regular-season game,” said Tim Farrell, Islanders Vice President of Marketing. “We’re proud to offer our fans more variety and creativity than we ever have this season as we enhance the game-night experience at Webster Bank Arena.”

Click here for the full promotional schedule

The calendar also includes the return of popular cause events like Teddy Bear Toss (Dec. 11), Military Appreciation Night (Jan. 8), First Responders Appreciation Night (Feb. 19), Pink in the Rink (Mar. 5), and Girls Hockey Weekend (Mar. 18-19).

The promotional calendar kicks off with the home opener on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m., featuring a magnet schedule giveaway to the first 3,000 fans, live music before the game, and a kid’s zone on the concourse. Bridgeport will face Springfield in its 21st home opener.

“We’re genuinely so excited to welcome our fans back to home games this season,” President of Business Operations Brent Rossi said. ““I think there’s a strong appetite for fans and families in our area to come out and this is going to be a special season for many different reasons, beginning with opening night in less than six weeks.

The Islanders will continue to provide season-long value to fans attending Webster Bank Arena. Every Sunday home game will feature a $10 ticket for kids 12 and under. In addition, all military veterans and active-duty personnel, as well as seniors 65 and older, will receive a $5-off ticket discount. Each of these offers are available at the Yale New Haven Health Box Office at the Webster Bank Arema.

Single-game tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com or by visiting the Yale New Haven Health Box Office (Webster Bank Arena, 600 Main Street in Bridgeport). In addition, partial and flex ticket plans are currently on sale. Each offer a discount over the regular ticket price and guarantee the purchaser a seat to the games of his or her choosing.

Promotions by Date:

Oct. 23 Opening Night at Webster Bank Arena

Oct. 24 Kids’ Day ($10 tickets for fans 12 and under)*

Oct. 30 Haunted Hockey

Oct. 31 Trick-or-Treat

Nov. 6 Maverick Night

Nov. 7 Kids’ Day ($10 tickets for fans 12 and under)*

Nov. 21 Kids’ Day ($10 tickets for fans 12 and under)*

Nov. 26 Hockey & Hops Beer Tasting

Dec. 4 -5 Superhero Weekend

Dec. 11 North Pole Night

Dec. 28-29 Holiday Hockey Weekend

Jan. 5 Deal Days

Jan. 8 Military Appreciation Night

Jan. 9 Prince and Princess Night

Jan. 22 Hockey Night in Connecticut

Jan. 23 Wizarding World Day

Feb. 2 School Day Game (10:30 a.m.)

Feb. 15 Deal Days

Feb. 19 First Responders Appreciation Night, presented by Yale New Haven Health

Feb. 20 A Day at the Office

Feb. 26 Star Wars Night

Feb. 27 Kids’ Day ($10 tickets for fans kids 12 and younger*)

Mar. 4 Hockey & Hops Beer Tasting

Mar. 5 Pink in the Rink, presented by Yale New Haven Health

Mar. 11 Deal Days

Mar. 18-19 Girls Hockey Weekend

Apr. 3 Autism Awareness

Apr. 5 School Day Game (10:30 a.m.)

Apr. 8 Hockey & Hops Beer Tasting

Apr. 10 Pokémania

Apr. 22 Pride Night

Apr. 23 Fan Fest

* With purchase of adult ticket.

Please visit BridgeportIslanders.com for updates as the season draws closer.

Connect with the Bridgeport Islanders

The Bridgeport Islanders are proud to introduce their new social media handles on Facebook (@AHLIslanders), Twitter (@AHLIslanders) and Instagram (@AHLIslanders). The team can be reached by phone at 203-345-2300.

COVID POLICY

The Bridgeport Islanders’ COVID-19 policy is that all fans ages 12 and over will need to be fully vaccinated (two weeks after the final required dose, depending on the vaccine), show proof of a negative rapid antigen test taken within six hours of faceoff, or show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of game day.

“The City of Bridgeport currently requires all attendees to wear a face mask while inside the arena,” the team said in a statement.

Islanders To Play Home Preseason Schedule in Bridgeport

Anyone worried about the parent New York Islanders commitment to Bridgeport (vis-à-vis the Nassau Coliseum with plenty of open dates) should have those concerns allayed after the Islanders announced that their 2021 six-game preseason schedule feature all three home games at Webster Bank Arena. The Islanders’ preseason schedule is as follows:

*09/26 at 7 p.m. - Islanders at NY Rangers (Madison Square Garden)

*09/28 at 7 p.m. - Islanders at Flyers (Wells Fargo Center)

10/02 at 2 p.m. - Islanders vs. Devils (Webster Bank Arena)

10/05 at 7 p.m. - Islanders vs. Flyers (Webster Bank Arena)

10/07 at 7 p.m. - Islanders at Devils (Prudential Center)

10/09 at 7 p.m. - Islanders vs. NY Rangers (Webster Bank Arena)

Tickets to the games at Webster Bank Arena will go on sale to the general public on Friday, Aug. 20, at 10 a.m. and are available through Ticketmaster.com or by visiting the Yale New Haven Health Box Office at the Webster Bank Arena. For group ticket information, please call 203-579-5230. Executive suites and premium seat packages are also available by calling 203-345-4818.

Exclusive presale opportunities for games at Webster Bank Arena are as follows:

Presale Priority #1

New York Islanders Season Ticket Members

*Exclusive 2-day window begins Tuesday Aug. 17 at 10 a.m.

Opt-in form sent via email from the New York Islanders>

Presale Priority #2

Bridgeport Islanders Season Ticket Members

Begins Thursday August 19 at 10 a.m.

Available through Ticketmaster.com>

Presale Priority #3

New York Islanders Season Ticket Waiting List Members

New York Islanders Newsletter Members: Sign up here

Bridgeport Islanders Newsletter Members (Sign up at BridgeportIslanders.com)

Begins Thursday August 19 at 12 p.m.

Available through Ticketmaster.com

Job Fair

The Bridgeport Islanders will host a Fall Job Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Yale New Haven Health Box Office at the Webster Bank Arena, in partnership with Career Resources and Entry Point Staffing.

The Fall Job Fair is an opportunity for local job seekers to connect with businesses that are currently hiring in southern Connecticut and beyond.

Register HERE

“We’re excited to partner with Career Resources and Entry Point Staffing to host this kind of career fair for the very first time,” Islanders President of Business Operations Brent Rossi said. “This event will play a tremendous role in pairing qualified job seekers with several of our area’s top businesses. It doesn’t matter if someone is looking to enter the workforce for the first time or expand his or her career, we’re looking forward to making a difference.” >

The entry fee for a participating business includes one six-foot table, a showcase on the team’s website, placement on Webster Bank Arena digital assets during the event, and 20 tickets to a Bridgeport Islanders home game. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local charity.

Space is limited, but businesses may reserve their spot by contacting Dan Tamburro in the Islanders front office at 203-345-4822 or via email: dan.tamburro@bridgeportislanders.com.

Job seeker registration for the event is completely free and includes interviewing tips and skills, guidance on resume writing, and a complementary professional headshot photo. Early entry on the day of the event is available beginning at 9:30 a.m. for veterans and disabled job seekers.

Those looking to attend can save time at the door by registering in advance using this link.

—with staff reports

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Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Wolf Pack Ink Former Sound Tiger Star Tanner Fritz

By Bob Phillips

HARTFORD—The Hartford Wolf Pack announced today that the club has signed veteran forward Tanner Fritz to a one-year American Hockey League (AHL) contract through the 2021-22 AHL season. Fritz, 30 (8/20/91), scored six points (3 g, 3 a) in 20 games with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the 2020-21 AHL season. The 31-year-old Grand Prairie, Alberta, native added 10 PIM’s and finished with a -5 rating during the abbreviated campaign.

The 5’11”, 192-pound forward has played each of his first six professional seasons in the New York Islanders organization. He scored a career-high 42 points (19 g, 23 a) in 63 games with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers—who this season will be rebranded as the Bridgeport Islanders--in 2016-17, then made his NHL debut the next season with the Islanders on January 2, 2018, against the Boston Bruins.

Fritz appeared in 34 NHL games during the 2017-18 season, scoring seven points (3g, 4a). In all, Fritz has appeared in 42 NHL games over the course of two seasons with eight points (3g, 5a) and 10 PIM’s.

An undrafted free agent, Fritz signed with the Islanders organization for the 2015-16 season following a a four-year collegiate career at Ohio State. Fritz scored 110 points (36g, 74a) in 142 games for the Buckeyes, whom he captained during his senior season in 2014-15. He also wore the “A” for the Sound Tigers in 2020-21.

Single-Game Tix Now On Sale

Excited at the prospect at welcoming fans back into the XL Center for the first time in 19 months, the Wolf Pack announced this week that single-game tickets are now on sale for the team’s 25th season in the AHL. The ’Pack return to a full Atlantic Division after playing only the Bridgeport Islanders and Providence Bruins in the 2020-21 season, truncated by COVID. The Wolf Pack will compete with the Springfield Thunderbirds, Hershey Bears, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Charlotte Checkers, Bridgeport Islanders and Providence Bruins in the quest to return to the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Among the highlights on the 2021-22 schedule, the Islanders come to town five times to fight for bragging rights in the State of Connecticut. The T-Birds will make the short trek down I-91 six times, while the Bruins come to town five times during the upcoming campaign.

There will also be some unfamiliar faces coming to the XL Center. The Laval Rocket will come to town on Jan. 15, 2022, while the Belleville Senators make a pair of appearances across the border on Dec. 8, 2021, and Apr. 1, 2022. The Toronto Marlies will also make a rare appearance in Hartford, visiting the XL Center on Jan. 19, 2022.

The Utica Comets will have a new look when they come to town on Dec. 4, 2021. The Comets are entering their first season as the AHL affiliate of the NHL’s New Jersey Devils.

In addition to some marquee matchups, the Wolf Pack will also host numerous promotional nights throughout the season including:

*The annual Hockey Fights Cancer game on November 20

*Star Wars Night and the Teddy Bear Toss on December 4.

*Military Appreciation Night returns on March 5.

*Hartford Hockey Heritage Night on February 26.

As has been the case for the past several years, every Friday night at the XL Center will be $2 beer and $1 hot dog night, while every Sunday is Family Day. Family Day packages can be purchased for each Sunday home game, and include three tickets, three hot dogs and three fountain drinks.

The action starts on Oct. 15, when the Wolf Pack host the Islanders on Opening Night. Opening Weekend concludes two days later on Oct. 17 when the P-Bruins come to town.

Tickets are available at the XL Center box office, or by visiting www.hartfordwolfpack.com. The Wolf Pack have been the top minor league affiliate of the New York Rangers since the team’s inception in 1997, and have been the starting point for several of the Rangers newest faces including Igor Shesterkin, Filip Chytil, and Ryan Lindgren. Follow the Wolf Pack on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. .

The American Hockey League was officially born in 1936 when the Canadian-American Hockey League and the International Hockey League merged to form the International-American Hockey League (the “International” would be dropped from the league’s name in 1940). The AHL continues to serve as the top development league for all 32 National Hockey League teams; nearly 90 percent of today’s NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and more than 100 honored members of the Hockey Hall of Fame spent time in the AHL in their careers.

—with staff reports

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Monday, August 16, 2021

AHL Announces 2022 Playoff Format (Fingers Crossed)

By Bob Phillips

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.—The American Hockey League Board of Governors recently announced that it has approved the qualification rules and format for the 2022 Calder Cup Playoffs. A total of 23 teams will qualify for postseason play when the 2021-22 regular season ends on April 24, 2002, with five rounds of playoffs leading to the crowning of a #AHL Calder Cup champion.In each of the AHL’s four divisions, all but two teams will qualify for postseason play in 2022, creating a playoff field of six teams in the Atlantic Division, five in the North Division, five in the Central Division and seven in the Pacific Division. Teams will be ranked by points percentage in the regular-season standings.

First-Round match-ups will be best-of-three affairs. The top two teams in the Atlantic Division, the top three teams in each of the North and Central Divisions, and the first-place team in the Pacific Division will receive byes into the best-of-five Division Semifinals, with the First-Round winners re-seeded in each division. The Division Finals will also be best-of-five series, followed by best-of-seven Conference Finals and a best-of-seven Calder Cup Finals series. he 2022 Calder Cup Playoffs are expected to conclude by June 23.

“Our clubs and their National Hockey League partners recognize the importance of playoff races and postseason experience on overall player development,” said AHL President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Howson. “Expanding the Calder Cup Playoff field will allow some 150 additional players to play more meaningful games in pursuit of a championship.”

The American Hockey League was officially born in 1936 when the Canadian-American Hockey League and the International Hockey League merged to form the International-American Hockey League (the “International” would be dropped from the league’s name in 1940). The AHL continues to serve as the top development league for all 32 National Hockey League teams; nearly 90 percent of today’s NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and more than 100 honored members of the Hockey Hall of Fame spent time in the AHL in their careers.

The American Hockey League is represented in Connecticut by the newly re-branded Bridgeport Islanders (the New York Islanders top minor league affiliate formerly known as the Sound Tigers) and the Hartford Wolf Pack (New York Rangers), who play in the AHL’s Atlantic Division. The nearby Springfield Thunderbirds (St. Louis Blues) and Providence Bruins (Boston Bruins) are also members of the Atlantic Division along with the Charlotte Checkers (Florida Panthers), Hershey Bears (Washington Capitals), Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Philadelphia Flyers and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (Pittsburgh Penguins). Both Sprigfiend and Charlotte optend out of playing in the abbreviated 2020-21 campaign.

For the past two seasons, AHL COVID-19 protocols put a stranglehold on the postseason; the league has not held Calder Cup playoffs since the 2019-2020 season when the Charlotte Checkers won the playoff tournament and remain (technically) defending champs. Let’s hope COVID is reigned in enough to play a normal season and postseason in 2021-22.

Connecticut's two teams will square off to open the 2022-23 season when Bridgeport travels to Hartford on Friday, Oct. 15. First puck drops at the XL Center at 7 p.m. For a complete Bridgeport Islanders schedule, click HERE. For a complete Hartford Wolf Pack schedule, click HERE.

No word on seating capacity rules at the various affiliated arenas (the XL Center and Webster Bank Arena in Connecticut). Stay tuned for more information.

Loose Pucks

*The 2021-22 regular season begins with six games on Oct. 15, and a total of 29 games over opening weekend.

*The Abbotsford Canucks, the AHL’s newest club, begin their inaugural season on Oct. 16 with a road game against the Bakersfield Condors. The Canucks’ home opener is set for Oct. 22, when the Henderson Silver Knights visit the Abbotsford Centre.

*After sitting out the abbreviated 2020-21 season, the Springfield Thunderbirds, Charlotte Checkers and Milwaukee Admirals all return to action on Oct. 16. The Thunderbirds host the Hartford Wolf Pack in their first game as the top affiliate of the St. Louis Blues; the Checkers visit the Hershey Bears for their first contest affiliated with the Florida Panthers and Seattle Kraken; and the Admirals play host to the Grand Rapids Griffins.

*The Utica Comets begin their affiliation with the New Jersey Devils when they start the season at home on Oct. 17 vs. Rochester, 34 years to the day after the first AHL game ever played at the Aud. The Devils’ AHL affiliate was previously based in Utica from 1987 to 1993.

*The Rochester Americans, members of the AHL since 1956, will skate in their 5,000th regular-season game on Feb. 25 when they visit the Syracuse Crunch, top affiliate of the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning.

*The Laval Rocket host the 2022 AHL All-Star Classic, scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 6 and Monday, Feb. 7 at Place Bell in Laval, Que.

*There are seven days this season on which 30 of the league’s 31 teams are in action: Sat., Nov. 6; Sat., Jan. 15; Sat., Jan. 22; Sat., Jan. 29; Fri., Feb. 11; Sat., Mar. 5; and Sat., Mar. 19. Games scheduled by day of the week: Monday (20), Tuesday (40), Wednesday (199), Thursday (23), Friday (306), Saturday (360), Sunday (170).

—with staff reports

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Monday, June 28, 2021

English Cops Travelers in Historic Eight-Hole Playoff

By Bob Phillips

CROMWELL— Fans attending the final round of the 2001 Travelers Championship played Sunday at TPC River Highlands were in for a treat. History was made Sunday. For starters, the round turned into a hole-by-hole sudden-death matchup for the first time ever between two golfers, both with two last names. (Not sure about that, but what’s the probability of it ever happening before, right?). And fans were treated to the longest playoff (eight holes) in Travelers Championship history (including the tournament’s former incarnations, including the GHO and the Connecticut Open). Twice before (1961 and ’62 a seven-hole playoff was needed to determine the winner.)

And so it was on Sunday when Harris English and Kramer Hickok (See?) played eight incredibly exciting extra holes, paring the first seven (and in Hickok’s case, all eight) before English dropped a 16-foot birdie putt on the eighth playoff hole to win the 2021 Travelers Championship.

Earlier in the day, crowd favorite Bubba Watson was gunning for some history of his own. Watson, who entered the day on top of the leaderboard, was aiming to become just the second player with four Connecticut titles. Billy Casper is the only player to earn four trophies in Connecticut, having won the tournament in 1963, ’65, ’68 and ’73. But alas it was not to be for Bubba who withered in the heat and humidity that had engulfed most of the nation and ended with a 73 in the final round. He finished the tourney at seven under and in a six-way tie for 19th place.

When asked about the volatility of PGA River Highlands, Watson was all in. “Yeah, for sure. With this wind, we saw it,” said the affable Texan, currently the only player with three titles to his name in the Nutmeg State. “The scores didn't go too low. The first couple days we saw low scores because there was less wind and the direction of wind and all those things.

“When the wind picks up like this weekend, makes it a lot more challenging,” he said.

The wind didn’t seem to faze either English or Hickok, who was hoping to pick
up his first career win on the PGA TOUR. Both birdied the final hole of regulation to finish at 13-under-par 267 and force the playoff. English shot a 5-under-par 65, while Hickok had a 67.

Through the first six playoff holes – playing No. 18 four times and No. 17 twice – the players matched pars. But on the eighth extra hole, English finally pulled through, knocking in the birdie to win the Travelers Championship for the first time.

“It was a good fight, and came down to somebody making birdie finally,” said a jubilant Harris after the match. “We were both joking, like somebody has got to make a birdie at some point, and I had had that putt a few times, the last probably hour and a half, and finally got it right and hit a good putt.”

For a while on Sunday, it looked like the history would be written by Bubba Watson, who was trying to become the second player to win the Travelers Championship four times. But Watson, who had a one-stroke lead on the back nine, played his final five holes in 6-over-par to fall out of the lead. Watson shot a 73 and finished in a tie for 19th.

Marc Leishman, who won the Travelers in 2012, was attempting to win for the second time at TPC River Highlands in comeback fashion. Back then he erased a six-stroke deficit in the final round. This time, he began the day four shots back, but shot a bogey-free 64 to finish at 12-under, one shot behind.

Abraham Ancer shot a 65 and finished in fourth place at 11-under. Kevin Kisner had the low round of the day, shooting 63 to lead the pack at 10-under to tie for fifth.

“I’m tired,” said Hickok. “It was a hard-fought battle That was our eighth playoff hole. I never thought I'd be playing 27 holes today. But the way these pins are situated and the wind, it just made it tough to make birdies on these last few holes—17 and 18—the playoff holes. Harris battled so well and so hard.

“I was just trying to put as much pressure on him as possible,” continued the 29-year-old Austin, TX native. “He was trying to do the same. I put him in uncomfortable spots, he put me in some too, and he came out on top today, and that’s a true champion.

English, too, admitted to being tired—how could anyone not be—and that his back was “a little sore” during the playoff—which, for all practical purposes, ended up being an additional mini-round. “But I knew anything could happen. You've just got to grind out there.”

And grind it out he did—all the way to his fourth PGA TOUR victory, and his second this season. He also copped Sentry TOURnament of Champions in January.

This year marks the first time English has had multiple wins in a single season. It also moved the 31-year-old native of Valdosta, GA to the No. 2 position on the FedExCup. It has been, to say the least, a satisfying season for the University of Georgia grad.

“Yeah, number one, my goal is to make it every year to the TOUR Championship at East Lake,” he said. ‘I think I've finally locked that in right now, and I'm excited about that.”

Next stop on the TOUR is Detroit where Bryson DeChambeau will attempt to defend his 2020 Rocket Mortgage Classic title at the Detroit Golf Club. The event will be televised on the Golf Channel.

The 2022 Travelers Championship will be June 20-26.

—with staff reports

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Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Dolson, Samuelson Named to U.S. Olympic 3x3 Team

Katie Lou Samuelson, Stefanie Dolson and Alisha Gray were among
the players named to the USA Olympic women's basketball team.
All three will compete in the inaugural 3x3 Olympic competition
in Tokyo this summer. [Photo Courtesy USA Basketball]

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—Former UConn women’s basketball All-Americans Stefanie Dolson and Katie Lou Samuelson were selected to the U.S. Olympic 3x3 Women’s Basketball roster for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This summer is the inaugural 3x3 Olympic competition. Dolson and Samuelson, along with Kelsey Plum and Allisha Gray were the four athletes who qualified USA Basketball for the Summer Games.

This is the first Olympics for Dolson and Samuelson. Along with the 5x5 team, seven former Huskies will represent USA Basketball at the 2020 Olympics as the duo joins Sue Bird, Tina Charles, Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart and Diana Taurasi in Tokyo. This will be a record fifth Olympics for both Taurasi and Bird.

Currently a member of the Chicago Sky, Dolson is 42-3 all-time with USA Basketball teams, including five-on-five and 3x3. She first played with the USA National Team in 2013 as a college student and since has been on six five-on-five national team rosters between the 2019 FIBA AmeriCup and exhibition games. She won gold medals with USA Basketball junior national teams at the 2010 FIBA Americas U18 Championship and the 2011 FIBA U19 World Cup.

Samuelson is 55-2 with USA five-on-five and 3x3 teams in competition and exhibition games. She owns one gold medal with the USA National Team from the 2019 AmeriCup and five gold medals from junior national USA teams. She won gold at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games (3x3), the 2013 FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup, 2013 FIBA Americas 3x3 U18 Championship, the 2014 FIBA U17 World Cup, where she was named to the all-tournament team, and the 2013 FIBA Americas U16 Championship. 

Samuelson, who won 3x3 gold medals at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games and the 2013 FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup, will become the first USA Basketball player to compete in a Youth Olympic Games and an Olympic Games. In its first Olympic showing, 3x3 basketball will feature eight women’s teams competing at Aomi Urban Sports Park from July 24-28. The preliminary round will be played from July 24-27. The quarterfinals will be on July 27, and the semifinals and finals are set for July 28.

Four women’s teams qualified for the Tokyo Olympic 3x3 competition in November of 2019 based on their FIBA 3x3 national federation rankings, including China, Mongolia, Romania and Russia. Three more teams qualified from the May 2021 FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament, including the USA, France and Japan. The eighth and final team, Italy, earned its berth at the June FIBA 3x3 Universal Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

An exciting and fast-paced game, 3x3 officially was unveiled in international competition at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games and since has become a fan favorite at FIBA 3x3 World Cup events.

3x3 basketball is played with a 12-second shot clock on a half court. Baskets inside the arc and free throws are worth one point, and baskets made from outside the arc are worth two points. The winner is the first team to score 21 points, or the leading team at the end of the 10-minute game clock. Each team consists of four players, three on the court and one substitute per team.

—Staff Reports

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