In a thrilling display of talent, teamwork, and tenacity, Zee Spearman and Lady Vol For Life (LVFL) Cierra Burdick emerged victorious at the 2025 USA Basketball 3X Nationals women’s division championship. Their remarkable performance throughout the tournament not only captured the championship trophy but also showcased the evolution and rise of 3×3 basketball in the United States. This win cements their status as dominant forces in the fast-paced, physically demanding world of 3×3, a game that demands speed, precision, and mental grit from start to finish.
From the outset, Spearman and Burdick demonstrated a clear chemistry on the court. The duo, along with their teammates, executed every play with calculated intensity and unwavering focus. Their path to the title wasn’t paved with ease, but it was defined by resilience and strategic excellence. Every match they played in the Nationals was a testament to their preparation, experience, and hunger to succeed at the highest level of the sport.
Zee Spearman, known for her explosive athleticism and scoring ability, brought a fiery energy to the court that kept her opponents constantly on the defensive. Whether slashing to the basket with incredible agility or draining clutch shots from beyond the arc, Spearman played with an unrelenting drive. Her ability to read the defense and make quick decisions under pressure gave her team a crucial edge in tightly contested games.
On the other hand, Cierra Burdick, a seasoned veteran with international and WNBA experience, served as the anchor and vocal leader. Her rebounding, defensive prowess, and basketball IQ proved invaluable throughout the tournament. A former Tennessee Lady Vol, Burdick carried the legacy of a storied collegiate program into this competition and elevated her team’s performance with poise and leadership. Her LVFL (Lady Vol For Life) status isn’t just a title—it’s a testament to her continued excellence and the foundational training that shaped her into the elite competitor she is today.
Together, Spearman and Burdick made a formidable combination. Their complementary skill sets turned every possession into a threat. While Spearman’s offensive explosiveness dazzled the crowd, Burdick’s defensive stops and veteran calmness turned the tide in the most crucial moments. The synergy between them grew stronger with each game, culminating in a dominant championship performance that left no doubt about their status as the best in the tournament.
The championship game itself was a high-octane contest filled with dramatic swings and intense moments. Their opponents, also top-tier athletes, brought physicality and sharp execution. Yet, Spearman and Burdick responded with composure and fire. Spearman opened the scoring with a deep two-pointer, immediately putting pressure on the opposing side. Burdick followed with a sequence of tough rebounds and smart passes that kept their team’s rhythm intact.
As the game progressed, it became a masterclass in teamwork and grit. The physical nature of 3×3 basketball often tests players’ endurance and mental toughness, and this final was no exception. Both players stepped up, rotating seamlessly on defense, switching assignments, and communicating with clarity and urgency. When the game clock ticked into the final minute, with the score tightly locked, it was Burdick who came through with a crucial block that led to a transition bucket by Spearman—perhaps the defining moment of the game.
The crowd erupted with energy as they sensed the momentum shifting irreversibly toward the Spearman-Burdick duo. That moment, symbolic of their entire campaign, reflected how their commitment to each other’s strengths powered them through adversity. As the buzzer sounded, their team stood triumphant, claiming the 2025 USA Basketball 3X Nationals women’s title in unforgettable fashion.
This win carries broader significance in the world of women’s basketball. The growing prominence of the 3×3 format, now an Olympic event, offers a new and dynamic stage for athletes to showcase their talent. Spearman and Burdick’s victory not only adds to their personal accolades but also contributes to the expansion and excitement around women’s 3×3 basketball. They serve as role models for younger athletes aspiring to thrive in this rapidly growing version of the game.
For Spearman, this championship marks a critical milestone in her career. Still young, her ceiling appears limitless. She’s proven herself on this national stage, and her future in 3×3—whether in international play, professional circuits, or beyond—looks incredibly bright. Her performances throughout the Nationals will likely serve as highlights for future scouts, fans, and analysts studying the emerging stars of American basketball.
Cierra Burdick’s triumph, meanwhile, reflects a full-circle moment in a storied career. Having worn the orange and white for Tennessee and represented her country in international play, Burdick continues to defy expectations and set new standards. Her ability to transition between 5-on-5 and 3×3 formats, all while remaining impactful and elite, speaks volumes about her versatility and commitment to growth. She represents the evolution of the game—where experience, adaptability, and leadership combine to create a legacy that extends well beyond individual achievements.
Their journey to the championship wasn’t just about skill—it was about preparation, strategy, and an unshakable belief in one another. They trained rigorously in the weeks leading up to the Nationals, honing not just their physical abilities but also their mental synchronization. 3×3 basketball demands near-instantaneous decision-making and fluid chemistry, and this duo embodied that from the first whistle to the final buzzer.
In post-game interviews, both Spearman and Burdick expressed gratitude for their coaches, support staff, and fans. They emphasized the importance of preparation, trusting each other, and staying mentally locked in. Their humility and mutual respect were as impressive as their on-court execution, a reminder that champions are not only made through talent but also through character and discipline.
This championship moment will likely be remembered as one of the standout events of the 2025 basketball season. The rise of 3×3 continues to offer new platforms for athletes, and performances like these elevate the game’s stature across the globe. As USA Basketball continues to invest in and promote this exciting format, players like Spearman and Burdick are leading the way, setting benchmarks and igniting passion among fans and future players.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on what comes next for this dynamic pairing. Will they represent the United States on the international stage? Will they continue their partnership in upcoming 3×3 World Tour events or Olympic qualifiers? No matter the path, they’ve already established themselves as champions and leaders in the sport.
Their story—marked by hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief—serves as inspiration to every athlete striving to achieve greatness. It reminds us all that success is never an accident. It’s earned through sacrifice, preparation, and the courage to rise in the face of every challenge.
As the 2025 USA Basketball 3X Nationals comes to a close, the image of Zee Spearman and Cierra Burdick lifting the championship trophy will remain etched in memory. Their triumph is a celebration of the game’s future, a nod to its evolving nature, and a powerful reminder of what is possible when excellence meets opportunity.
Congratulations once again to Zee Spearman and LVFL Cierra Burdick—you are true champions of the game.
