MIAMI – The second season of Unrivaled, the winter 3×3 women’s basketball league, came to an end on Wednesday with the Mist team, led by co-founder Breanna Stewart, claiming the title. They beat the Phantoms 80-74 in a somewhat controversial game when Stewart hit the game-winning free throws after a comeback call, turning Tiffany Hayes’ charge into a blocking foul.
The Phantoms were led by Kelsey Plum who had an incredible first season in the league with 40 points. This was recognized when she was named to the All-Conference First Team.
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Sparks fans have plenty of reasons to watch the league, as six players from last year’s roster played. Let’s see how everyone does it.
Kelsey Plumb (PHANTOM): Plumb ranks third in the league in both scoring (22.6 points per game) and assists (5.0 per game). She helped turn things around for the Phantoms, who went from last place (4-10) to first place (11-3). Plum left an indelible mark with 40 burgers in that championship game, but ultimately fell short.
As a 3×3 gold medalist at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Plum was seen at the top of her game. She is tied with Stewart for the most game wins in the league, with six.
DEARICA HAMBY (VINYL): Hamby scored 40 points early, the most in an Unrivaled game (until Philadelphia upset the Queen with 47 points). She’s had some ups and downs this season, but when Vinyl needs her, she steps up. She scored 25 points and the game-winning layup against the Laces in the first round of the playoffs, then scored 30 points against the Phantoms in the semifinals, which ended in a loss.
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Hamby averaged 17.1 points and 8.1 rebounds in his second season with Vinyl.
RICKEA JACKSON (BREEZE): Jackson joins a new team this season (BREEZE). She’s shown more defensive ability this season as well as other aspects of her game. Jackson (14.9 points per game) had two double-doubles in scoring/rebounding (she averaged 6.0 rebounds per game) and even showed off some great playmaking ability (2.8 assists per game, including seven against her former team, the Mists). She did miss a few games due to personal reasons, but when she came back it was like she didn’t miss a beat.
If the former Vol lady can consistently hit the ball and pass the ball, her game will be taken to the next level. She’s definitely capable of that.
Cameron Brinker (Breeze): Brinker joins her draft classmates in Breeze. She came off the bench to play behind Dominic Malonga. Her impact on the defensive end is undeniable. While Brinker is still susceptible to fouls, he changes up his shot a lot and ranks second in blocks per game this season (1.8). She averaged 10.9 points per game, including 21 points in a late-season game against the Misty.
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The talent is clearly there. Brink’s challenge remains staying on the court.
RAE BURRELL (Vinyl): For the second straight year, Burrell (12.8 points per game) looks to be the most intriguing player in the league. Burrell was thrust into the starting lineup, suggesting she deserved a bigger role. Over the past three games, she’s averaging 25.7 points per game and is an unstoppable force at all three scoring levels.
Burrell’s spot in the Western Conference next season is anyone’s guess. But she looks more ready than ever for prime time and will be an impact player wherever she ends up.
Azula Stevens (Hive): She started well for defending champion Rose, but injuries slowed her down. Stevens was traded to the Beehives, where she scored a season-high 20 points against her former team. After that game, she would miss the rest of the game.
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Stevens played in 10 games and averaged 10.8 points per game.
All players on the ’25 Sparks performed well in the 3×3 game. Most of them should be back in Los Angeles next season (whenever that may be). If the Sparks look like a very interesting team, they could be ready for the playoffs.
