The Cochrane 3-on-3 Basketball Challenge lived up to all the hype and left the crowd wanting more.

Seventeen elite teams, predominantly from the Calgary region, were here on Apr. 17 to display the mental and physical agility it takes to play a lightning-fast version of the sport.

Organizer Bryan Verdillo says the tournament exceeded all his expectations.

"We didn't expect that players from the surrounding area and all different cultures would come together for the event here in Cochrane," he says.

Precise execution is required to score 21 points in 10 minutes against an equally passionate opposing team.

"It's a very fast physical and mental game," he says. "It's like you're playing chess."

In the end, it was Calgary's Havoc who won the open tournament.

Only two teams matched up in the U20 division. Cochrane and Calgary's Don Hakob played about 11 thrillers. In the final, Don Hakob won by one point.

"It was a very exciting game," says Verdillo. "The teams exchange three-pointers, after three-pointers. Wow, man, it was so electrifying," he says.

"Sam Smilski, Matt Sauter, and all the boys under 20 really made an effort and showed sportsmanship. They made the Calgary people and those from the surrounding area take note."

Verdillo sends out a huge thank you to all the sponsors and volunteers that brought the event to life.

He says more super-charged basketball is in the works, and to keep watch.