Winning any national championship takes grit, trust, and a whole lot of heart. For Zee Spearman and Lady Vol For Life (LVFL) Cierra Burdick, the journey to the top of the podium at the 2025 USA Basketball 3X Nationals was a testament to all three. With sharp execution, on-court chemistry, and a winning mentality, the dynamic duo battled through a gauntlet of elite competition to claim the women’s division crown and hoist the coveted national trophy this weekend. For Burdick, a former Tennessee standout whose name still resonates in Knoxville, and for Spearman, one of the game’s rising talents, it was a championship moment years in the making.
Held in Springfield, Massachusetts—the birthplace of basketball—this year’s USA Basketball 3X Nationals brought together some of the top athletes from across the country for two days of fast-paced, high-intensity 3×3 play. The tournament format left no room for error. Games were quick. Decisions were quicker. With only 10 minutes on the clock and a 12-second shot clock, every possession carried weight. There were no timeouts. No coaching. Just three players and a lot of pressure.
And yet, that’s exactly the kind of setting where players like Spearman and Burdick shine.
From the opening game, it was clear that this team was locked in. Spearman set the tone with aggressive drives and fearless shot-making, while Burdick anchored the defense and dominated the glass. The chemistry between the two felt natural—fluid passing, smart switches, and a mutual understanding of when to attack and when to trust the system. They weren’t just playing together. They were thinking together.
Opponents tried different looks to throw them off. Some went with speed. Some went with size. But neither strategy worked. With Spearman operating as a do-it-all guard and Burdick providing veteran leadership and unmatched intensity in the paint, they adjusted to every challenge. It wasn’t about individual stats. It was about rhythm, timing, and making the right read in the right moment.
The semifinal was a true test of will. Facing a physical and athletic team known for its rebounding dominance, Spearman and Burdick didn’t back down. Instead, they leaned into the grind. Cierra Burdick, who has long been known for her toughness and vocal leadership, turned the tide with a critical defensive sequence—forcing a turnover and then grabbing back-to-back boards that led to crucial second-chance points. Spearman followed with a step-back two-pointer that electrified the crowd and gave her squad the breathing room it needed.
When the final buzzer sounded and their ticket to the championship game was punched, there was no wild celebration. No over-the-top theatrics. Just a nod, a hug, and a quiet acknowledgment that the job wasn’t done yet.
The championship game itself was a masterclass in poise under pressure. With national stakes and talented opponents on the other side of the court, every possession turned into a chess match. Burdick, ever the seasoned pro, controlled the tempo and delivered timely buckets inside. Spearman, playing with the confidence of a seasoned scorer, knocked down jumpers and slashed through the lane with purpose. Their communication was constant. Their effort never dipped.
One sequence stood out—a critical stretch late in the game where the score was tied 15-15. Spearman intercepted a pass at the top of the key, dribbled once, and kicked it to Burdick for an open two. Bang. That shot didn’t just give them the lead. It swung the momentum permanently. On the next possession, Spearman nailed a floater in the lane, drawing a foul in the process. The message was clear: they weren’t going to be denied.
As the final seconds ticked down and the scoreboard read 21-17, the two teammates embraced midcourt. The moment was theirs. National champions.
For Cierra Burdick, it was yet another chapter in a career defined by excellence and leadership. A former McDonald’s All-American and standout for the Tennessee Lady Vols, Burdick has always embodied the competitive spirit of the game. Her time at Tennessee, under legendary coach Pat Summitt, instilled in her the discipline, tenacity, and basketball IQ that continues to elevate her game years later. But this win—on the national 3×3 stage—was something special.
“It’s a different kind of grind,” Burdick said afterward. “You don’t have a coach calling plays. You’re managing clock, fouls, spacing, everything on your own. That’s what makes it so rewarding. You have to trust your teammate. You have to play smart. You have to fight for everything.”
Zee Spearman, who many in basketball circles view as a rising star, echoed those sentiments. “It’s about heart. 3×3 exposes every part of your game—your strengths and your weaknesses. You can’t hide. But that’s what I love about it. And having Cierra as a teammate? That made all the difference.”
Their mutual respect was palpable. Throughout the tournament, their chemistry on the court translated into joy off of it. Whether it was hyping each other up after big plays or cracking jokes in between games, their bond became one of the tournament’s defining stories. It wasn’t just about winning—it was about how they won.
USA Basketball’s embrace of 3×3 as a competitive format has only grown in recent years. With Olympic inclusion, increased visibility, and more players taking part in national events, the style is reshaping the way fans engage with the sport. And performances like this one—gritty, skilled, and emotionally resonant—are at the heart of its growth.
Spearman and Burdick now join a prestigious group of champions who have left their mark on the USA Basketball 3X Nationals. But their win also serves as a broader reminder of how evolving forms of the game continue to elevate its legacy.
Back in Knoxville, the Lady Vols community took notice. Fans flooded social media with congratulatory posts, highlighting Burdick’s #LVFL status and her continued contributions to the game. The Lady Vol legacy isn’t just about what you do in college—it’s about how you carry it forward, on and off the court. And this weekend, Burdick did just that.
Zee Spearman’s name, too, is starting to draw wider recognition. Her shot-making, defensive instincts, and composure under pressure caught the attention of scouts and fans alike. This tournament may have been her national breakout. But if her play is any indication, it’s only the beginning.
The 2025 USA Basketball 3X Nationals women’s division may be over, but the impact of Spearman and Burdick’s title run is just beginning. They showed that great basketball isn’t always five-on-five. They proved that communication, trust, and toughness can take you all the way. And they reminded everyone watching what true champions look like.
In the end, it wasn’t just about who scored the most points or who had the flashiest plays. It was about resilience. It was about grit. It was about showing up in the big moments and delivering when it mattered most. Spearman and Burdick did exactly that.
Champions—by name, by heart, and by effort.