YORKTON - When it comes to success as an athlete Paige Crozon has had more than her share of late.
Hailing originally from Humboldt, Crozon and her teammates -- Kacie Bosch, and Michelle and Katherine Plouffee -- on Canada’s 3x3 women’s basketball team has made headlines as they have dominated on the international scene.
With notable performances throughout the 2023 season the team claimed first place in the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series Final Stop in mid-September.
It was their second straight title after a 16-15 victory over France for this year’s title.
Appearing in seven other international tournaments this year, Crozon scored at the buzzer in the Final Stop in Mongolia, bringing home the series title for Team Canada. She received two awards for her performance, walking away with the new status of Buzzer-beater and Top 3 Single Game Player, detailed a SaskSport release.
Team Canada entered the weekend as the No. 1 seed.
All five tournaments that Canada won leading into the Women’s Series Final they did with a perfect 5-0 record.
Placing first was nothing new for Crozon, as she joined Team Canada earlier in the month at the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series Montreal Stop and once again claimed the top of the podium.
The effort is certainly raising the profile of basketball, and Crozon said she believes the sport is gaining popularity in Saskatchewan.
“You can see the game growing,” she said.
The next step is to build the game at the foundational level, getting younger players on the court regularly. In her daughter’s case she is out dribbling and learning the game at age five.
Of course that’s a great thing about basketball, generally low cost access.
“You just need a ball,” said Crozon.
Crozon said when you get players involved in a sport at a younger age “they stay engaged” as they get older.
In her case she began as a 5x5 player and now focuses on the 3x3 game, a version of the game she says can help all players develop.
In her case “many things” attract Crozon to 3x3.
“I’m very passionate about the sport. It’s so great for skill development. You really have to be a versatile player,” she said.
The game of 3x3 forces players to be strong on defence and versatile on creating offence, said Crozon.
And when you rise to the level Crozon has there is a literal world to explore. She said travelling to so many countries has proven to be more than basketball.
“You experience so many different cultures,” she said, adding that has “. . . given me new perspectives as a human.”
There is also the camaraderie of a close knit team. With only four players being compatible means more than meshing on the court.
“We genuinely enjoy each other’s company,” said Crozon. “We love and care for each other as athletes and off the court too.
For Crozon’s efforts she was named the SaskSport Athlete of the Month for September.
“It’s a big honour,” she told Yorkton This Week, adding she always remembers her roots. “I’m very proud to be from Saskatchewan – to be a member of the sports landscape in the province.”
Crozon said the SaskSport award was also special as she recognizes “Saskatchewan has so many other outstanding athletes.”
Up next for Crozon and Team Canada is a run to qualify for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
“We started this 3-on-3 journey with a goal to play in the Olympics,” said Crozon, adding now they have to prepare to qualify to achieve that goal.
