Players play half-court games in a 3v3 format. Teams have a maximum roster size of 8 players. Our half-court, 3v3 teams train at practice and compete in regional Qualifiers and in State Games. Half-Court 3v3 is especially well-suited to athletes still in the process of developing basketball skills, fitness, and knowledge of the game. In addition, many of our older or less fit athletes choose 3v3 basketball because “court travel” is limited to half court, but the game is fast-paced and offers great basketball excitement.
| Coaches | Head Coach – Jim Downs Sport Director – Tina Connolly |
| Season Dates & Times | Practices: Sundays, starting January 4, 2026 through March 29, 2026 Qualifiers: Two Required, Dates TBD Signup Begins: Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 6 PM |
| Athlete & Volunteer Registration Expiration Date | Sport’s State Games competition date: March 31, 2026 All Forms must be up to date before the signup date (second Sunday in November). The expiration date on an Athlete’s Registration form, or a Volunteer’s certification, must be after the above State Games competition date to participate in the upcoming season. |
Coaches use the first practice to assess player skills for new athletes. Coaches place athletes on teams based on athlete age and ability, as well as coach/volunteer support available to that team. Coaches also consider an athlete’s past record of strong commitment to the sport when making team assignments.
SOMO has a limited number of courts and coaches to support our Half-Court program. Athletes Athletes who 1) have registered online before year-end, 2) are returning athletes, and 3) attend the first practice receive first priority when we assign the limited roster spots.
SOMO provides all equipment.
Athletes should wear their yellow SOMO T-shirt, appropriate athletic apparel, and basketball shoes to practice. SOMO provides team uniforms to be worn at Qualifiers and State Competitions.
Location: The Barrie School gym (13500 Layhill Road, Silver Spring, MD 20906)
Timing: Practices occur on Sundays from early January through the end of March.
Activities: Athletes begin with warm-ups followed by basketball skills training with their assigned team. Practice concludes with game play in scrimmage with other practice teams.
Teams will participate in at least three Qualifiers. One Mandatory Qualifier will be at Glenelg Country School (12793 Folly Quarter Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042). Dates and time TBD.
The State Basketball Tournament occurs in late March. The Team Manager will announce the location and time after season start.
Athletes must attend a minimum of 8 practices and participate in at least 2 Qualifers in order to be eligible for the State Half-Court 3v3 Tournament. Since this is a team sport, it’s important that all players commit to attending practices and competitions so that their team remains eligible for State Competition.
Competitive Adult Basketball (Half-Court) athletes must choose Basketball as their only Winter Sport.
Athletes are required to sign an Athlete Participation contract. The contract asks athletes to commit to their teammates that they will attend at least the minimum number of practices, all qualifiers, and the State Tournament. It’s a commitment that the athletes as teammates make to each other. Coaches will email the Athlete Participation Contract to signed-up athletes before the first practice.
The more volunteers we have, the better we can support all athletes! As noted above, volunteer support is one factor in assigning athletes to teams. SOMO especially welcomes family members and staff caregivers who often accompany the athlete to practice as volunteers. If you want to volunteer, please sign up for the sport using the Sports Season Sign-Up Form for Volunteers or email the Head Coach using the email at the top of this page. Thank you for helping us support our athletes!
