(Submitted photo/Paige Crozon)

By Ben Tompkins

Perfect Send-off

Crozon, Team Canada win one last stop on home soil before trip to Paris

Jul 9, 2024 | 5:27 PM

Humboldt native Paige Crozon and the rest of Team Canada are roughly just a week away from flying to Paris, France to compete in their first Olympics in Women’s 3×3 Basketball.

Before they set off on an adventure of a lifetime, however, they had one last stop to make on their FIBA circuit, as they look to travel across the pond with as much momentum as possible.

That pitstop just so happened to be in Edmonton, Alta. where they won last year, as they eyed a title defence.

“I had so many family members and friends from Saskatchewan make the trip to Edmonton to watch, and it’s the hometown of Michelle and Katherine Plouffe, so to be able to play in front of familiar faces and people that have supported us our entire careers, before we were Olympians, was really special,” Crozon told northeastNOW.

“It was a very proud moment for each of us to be able to play in front of our friends and family on Canadian soil, so it was kind of what we needed leading into the Paris Games.”

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(Submitted photo/Paige Crozon)

It was also what they needed when it came to competition, as it was the first time since they qualified for this year’s Olympics, back in May, that they had their full team healthy and playing together.

Although it wasn’t exactly the lead-up they wanted, Crozon explained that she and her team have been playing together for a long time, so the last five years have served as their preparation.

“The preparation before the Olympics hasn’t been kind of what we had expected, we hoped to play together for a few more women’s stops and really refine what we’re trying to do leading into the Olympics,” she added.

“Due to injury and people needing rest and time to recover, this was the last opportunity for our team to play together. I think all the years of preparation have paid off though because as soon as we were back together, we found our flow and chemistry quite quickly, and I think we really improved upon some of the things that we want to try to execute in Paris.”

Crozon also celebrated her 30th birthday with friends, family, teammates, and most importantly her daughter Poppy.

(Submitted photo/Paige Crozon)

With the win and the Olympics right around the corner, it was one she won’t soon forget.

“It was one of the most special birthdays I’ve ever had. I turned 30 with all my friends and family, and we won all of our games that day,” she concluded.

“I turned the corner and I had about 35 people singing happy birthday with a cake, so it was so special. Basketball and family, all the things that are most important to me, it was a really great way to ring in a new year.”

Crozon and her team will leave next Thursday to begin an overseas training camp, as the reality of the Olympic berth continues to set in more.

They will play their first game on August 3, as they hope to have their mental, physical and emotional game continue to be at its peak at the most important time of their careers.

Team Canada won the Edmonton Final over Dallas 3XBA, 21-11, as Crozon scored the winning basket.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8