3x3 women's teams who defined 2023

MIES (Switzerland) - Before we wrap up 2023, it's time to give a shout out of the teams who tasted glory during this memorable season. 

Canada 

Led by the powerful Plouffe sisters, Canada retained their Women's Series crown after a tense 16-15 victory over rival and fellow power France to win the Ulaanbaatar Final.

That capped Canada's domination of the women's pro circuit having finished the Women's Series regular season on top after winning five Stops. 

Canada weren't nearly done and showed off their depth of talent by taking out bronze at the AmeriCup, where they were without the Plouffe sisters but Paige Crozon stepped up to show her star qualities to finish in the Team of the Tournament. 

France

Much like Canada, France remained one of the very best teams in women's 3x3 with another strong season. 

Led by the brilliance of Laetitia Guapo, France finished with silver at the World Cup, three titles on the Women's series and a runner's up finish at the Ulaanbaatar Final. 

With an enviable depth of talent, France continue to set standards as they eye a defining 2024 with the Paris Olympics looming. 

USA

Mighty USA dominate no matter which form of hoops is played. Their women's team were ruthless on the half-court as they claimed a historic double of the World Cup and AmeriCup. 

They ended a nine-year drought in 3x3's biggest event when USA beat defending champs France in a tense final. Having gone through the play-in, USA found form at the right time with MVP Cameron Brink and superstar Hailey van Lith walking buckets throughout.

They showed off their depth of talent at the AmeriCup with Dearica Hamby claiming the MVP as USA regained their continental crown. 

Kenya

Kenya produced one of the biggest upsets of 2023 when they stunned two-time defending champs Egypt to shock the local fans in Cairo and claim the title at the Africa Cup. 

They did it in style with a comeback for the ages after trailing 19-13 before MVP Natalie Mwangale hit the title-winning buzzer-beating two as Kenya claimed the championship.

Madina Okot also was immense with a monster 11-point, 18-rebound performance as Kenya went on the 3x3 map and enjoyed continental bragging rights. 

Netherlands 

The Dutch painted the half-court orange across the age groups with their senior team winning the Europe Cup for the first time in sweet redemption having come so close in 2022 when they lost to France in the final.

Netherlands were on a mission and overcame former champs Spain in a tight final. Noortje Driessen proved their hero to walk away with the MVP in a starring performance for the towering 24-year-old, who has long been hyped as the next big thing in women's 3x3.

The Netherlands might just be starting a golden era because they are loaded with young talent having also won the U23 World Cup for the first time.

They silenced the home fans by beating Poland in an OT classic with Zoe Slagter claiming the MVP in a showcase of their young stars quickly rising up the ranks. 

FIBA