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Cayman Makes History in Junior Pan American Games 3×3 Debut

The Cayman Islands national U23 men’s team wrapped up a proud and historic campaign at the Junior Pan American Games 3×3 Basketball Tournament in Asunción, Paraguay, marking the first time Cayman has ever participated in the prestigious event.

A Tournament of Firsts

From the opening tip, this tournament was about making history — and Team Cayman delivered. Competing in a field of experienced basketball nations, our young athletes made an instant impact by earning Cayman’s first-ever victory at the Junior Pan Am Games, upsetting previously unbeaten Mexico 19–17 in what was one of the standout results of the group stage.

That win came after a tough loss to host Paraguay in the opening game, but showed the team’s resilience, talent, and belief. Led by standout performances — including a near-perfect shooting night from Brad Lansdell — Cayman advanced to the quarterfinals, proving they could compete with the region’s best.

Quarterfinal Battle and Closing Games

In the quarterfinal round, Cayman faced powerhouse Argentina who became the eventual gold medalists. Despite a valiant effort, the team fell 21–10, ending their chances at a medal finish but not their momentum. Cayman went on to face Puerto Rico in a placement game, and finally Paraguay once more for 7th place. Both contests were closely contested, with Cayman showing consistent grit and teamwork, but ultimately falling short.

A Foundation for the Future

Though the team finished 8th overall, their performance goes far beyond wins and losses. This campaign has cemented Cayman’s place in international basketball and shown the potential of our young talent. More importantly, it has inspired a nation and opened doors for future athletes to dream big and compete proudly on the world stage.

The Cayman Islands Basketball Association (CIBA) would like to thank the players, coaching staff, families, sponsors, and supporters who made this journey possible. Your belief and commitment helped create a moment that will be remembered for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Cayman’s first step into the Junior Pan Am Games has laid a strong foundation. With hard work and continued investment in youth development, this won’t be the last time we hear Cayman’s name called on international courts. The journey is just beginning.

🇰🇾🏀

#TeamCayman #CaymanBasketball #JrPanAmGames #3x3Basketball #HistoryMakers #CIBA #RespectTheJourney #MoreToCome

Cayman Islands U23 Men’s 3×3 Basketball Team to Make Historic Debut at Junior Pan American Games

The Cayman Islands Basketball Association (CIBA) is proud to announce that our U23 Men’s National 3×3 Basketball Team will represent the Cayman Islands at the 2025 Junior Pan American Games, set to take place in Asuncion, Paraguay from August 15–17.

This is a milestone moment for Cayman basketball, as it marks the first time in history that the Cayman Islands has qualified to compete in basketball at the Junior Pan Am Games — a direct result of our nation’s rapid rise in the FIBA 3×3 World Rankings over the past two years.

Meet the Team 🇰🇾

  • Nathaniel Anderson (Captain)
  • Brad Lansdell
  • Alwin Buttrum Jr.
  • Bryan Ebanks

This talented squad blends leadership, skill, and athleticism, and will be aiming to make a strong statement against some of the best teams in the Americas region.

Game Schedule – Cayman Time

📅 August 15 – Cayman vs Paraguay | ⏰ 9:30 AM
📅 August 16 – Cayman vs Mexico | ⏰ 9:30 AM

Any additional games or advancement will be determined based on the results of the first two games. Don’t miss a minute of the action because every minute is literally history in the making!

A Proud Moment for Cayman Basketball

The road to Paraguay is the latest chapter in Cayman’s 3×3 basketball success story. In recent years, our national teams have competed in prestigious events such as the FIBA U23 3×3 Nations League and the FIBA 3×3 Americup, gaining valuable experience and climbing the world rankings.

“This is a proud and historic moment for Cayman basketball,” said Collin Anglin, President of CIBA. “Our young men have trained tirelessly for this opportunity, and we are excited to see them compete against some of the top basketball nations in the Americas. We believe they will represent Cayman with pride, heart, and determination.”

How to Follow the Action

Fans will be able to watch the games live through official Panam Sports and FIBA 3×3 streaming channels. CIBA will also provide live updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes coverage on our social media platforms.

📲 Follow us on Instagram @345basketball & Facebook: @caymanbasketball

Cayman Finishes Strong at FIBA 3×3 Nations League

Men Nearly Upset Canada as Women Gain Valuable International Experience

PUNTA ARENAS, CHILE — July 27, 2025
 The Cayman Islands Men’s and Women’s National 3×3 Teams closed out the FIBA U23 Nations League in spirited fashion on Sunday, showing both growth and grit in their final matchups of the tournament.

The Cayman men delivered their strongest showing yet, pushing tournament favorites Canada to the limit in a thrilling contest that ended 21–20 in favor of the Canadians. Earlier in the day, Cayman also held their own against the United States, falling 21–10 in a highly physical encounter.

The women’s team faced tough opposition in their final two games, falling 21–7 to Chile and 21–2 to the USA. Despite the results, the team—comprised of players averaging just 20 years old—gained critical international experience in their debut at this level.

CIBA President Collin Anglin praised both teams for their performances and highlighted the long-term value of their participation.

“We are extremely proud of how our athletes represented the Cayman Islands. The men’s near-upset of Canada proves that we belong on this stage. And while the women’s team is still very young, they’ve shown heart, resilience, and great potential,” said Anglin.
“This tournament was never just about wins—it was about growth, exposure, and building a foundation for our future. Our players are coming home motivated, and we’ll be working hard to close the gap before we return to this stage next year.”

The FIBA U23 3×3 Nations League featured some of the top teams in the Americas region. For Cayman, it marked an important step in developing its national 3×3 program and preparing athletes for future international competitions.

With the tournament now complete, attention turns to off-season development, as both teams look to build on the experience gained in Chile.

The national Men’s 3×3 Team now sets their sights on the Junior Panam Games set to take place in Paraguay during August 15-17th.  This is again a historic moment for Cayman basketball as it is the first time that Cayman has qualified for the games. 

Nathaniel Anderson
Bryan Ebanks
Brad Lansdell
Jamie Rankin
Lyandrea Watson
Annika Moore
🏀 Cayman U23 Teams Set for FIBA 3×3 Nations League in Chile

The Cayman Islands Basketball Association (CIBA) is proud to announce that our U23 Men’s and Women’s National 3×3 Teams will compete in the FIBA U23 3×3 Nations League – Americas Conference from July 21–27 in Punta Arenas, Chile.

This marks another historic step forward for Cayman basketball as our young athletes prepare to face off against some of the top basketball nations in the region, including the USA, Canada, Argentina, and host country Chile.

🇰🇾 U23 Men’s National 3×3 Team – Roster

  • Nathaniel Hurlston-Anderson (Captain)
  • Bryan Ebanks
  • Alwin Buttrum Jr.
  • Toure Montague
  • Umar Gordon
  • Brad Lansdell

This explosive group brings a strong mix of international experience, size, and athleticism to the floor. With Hurlston and Ebanks’ experience leading the charge, the men’s team is prepared to compete with intensity and pride.

🇰🇾 U23 Women’s National 3×3 Team – Roster

  • Lyandrea Watson (Captain)
  • Annika Moore
  • Jamie Rankin-Maize
  • Soleya Manzanares
  • Bethany Ebanks

Led by Watson’s leadership and Annika Moore’s dynamic scoring ability, the women’s team is entering the tournament with confidence and momentum after a strong showing in recent 3×3 competitions.

🌍 A Global Stage for Cayman’s Rising Stars

The FIBA U23 3×3 Nations League is one of the premier international development competitions, offering emerging stars from across the globe the chance to gain elite exposure and compete at the highest level of 3×3 basketball.

“This is not just about representing Cayman; it’s about showing the world the talent we’re growing right here at home,” said Coach Duran Whittaker. “Our athletes have worked hard, and we’re excited to see them compete on this platform.”

📺 Watch Live + Follow the Journey

All games will be streamed live through FIBA’s digital platforms. Be sure to follow @345basketball on Instagram and Facebook for:

  • 🎥 Live game links
  • 📸 Player highlights
  • 🎙️ Postgame interviews
  • 📊 Stats and results

Hoop Fest 2025 Wrap-Up: Cayman U17 Storm Crowned Undisputed Champions

July 5, 2025 – George Town, Grand Cayman
The 2025 Cayman Islands Hoop Fest came to a thrilling close on Saturday evening with two final matchups that solidified team standings and showcased elite youth basketball talent from the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and the United States.

🕔 Game 1: Texas Tigers Run Wild in Offensive Showcase

The first game of Day 3 saw the Texas Tigers explode offensively, defeating the Cayman Bulldogs by a staggering 115–46 at John Gray High School Gymnasium.

Texas guard Cino Nagin put on a clinic, dropping a tournament-high 53 points while shooting nearly 70% from the field and sinking five 3-pointers. He was supported by Jeremiah Thirdkill (35 pts, 18 rebounds) and EJ Allen (21 pts, 22 rebounds), as the Tigers dominated the glass and forced 17 turnovers.

Despite the loss, the Bulldogs fought hard behind Drayson Da Costa’s 12 points and Demarco Wood’s effort in the paint.

🕖 Game 2: Cayman U17 Storm Closes Tournament Undefeated

In the tournament finale, the Cayman U17 Storm capped off a perfect 3–0 record with a commanding 84–53 win over Campion College of Jamaica.

Tournament MVP Daric Ebanks led the charge once again with 28 points, including six 3-pointers. He was flanked by Amari Latham (17 pts, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks) and George Brooks (10 pts, 11 rebounds, 8 assists), who delivered a complete performance on both ends of the floor.

Campion’s Richard Leighton closed his tournament strong with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Ryheem Martel added 14 points and 12 rebounds and 5 steals in a physical battle inside.

🏆 Final Standings:

  1. Cayman U17 Storm (3–0) – 🏆 Champions
  2. Texas Tigers (2–1)
  3. Campion College Crocs (1–2)
  4. Cayman Bulldogs (0–3)

⭐ All-Tournament Team:

🏆 MVP: Daric Ebanks – Cayman U17 Storm
Cino Nagin – Texas Tigers
Rheem Martel – Campion College
Amari Latham – Cayman U17 Storm
Jeremiah Thirdkill – Texas Tigers

🙌 A Tournament to Remember

The inaugural Cayman Islands Hoop Fest not only delivered exciting international basketball but also provided valuable development opportunities for Cayman’s national athletes and a powerful display of community support. The atmosphere at both The ARC and John Gray Gym was electric throughout the weekend, with fans, families, and fellow athletes rallying behind their teams.

Special thanks go to the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage, Cost-U-Less, Dynamic Sports & Events, One Sports Cayman and all volunteers, referees, table officials, and coaches who helped make this event a success.

The Cayman Islands Champion Team: Daric Ebanks, Amari Latham, Griff MacDonald, Obrien Wilson, Teran Timoll, Teroy Timoll, Liam Ramoon, Dimitri Seymour, Kaden Barboram, George Brooks and Naziah Webb.

Amari Latham
Cino Nagin
Daric Ebanks
Jeremiah Thirdkill
Ryheem Martel
Day 1 Recap: Cayman Islands Hoop Fest Tips Off with Passion, Pride, and Big Plays

July 3, 2025 – Camana Bay, Grand Cayman
The energy was electric on opening night of the Cayman Islands Hoop Fest, as fans packed the Arts & Recreation Center (ARC) to witness high-level U17 basketball featuring national pride, international flair, and raw talent on full display.

Game 1: Campion College (Jamaica) Tops Cayman Bulldogs, 67–42

The first matchup of the evening saw Campion College Crocs 🇯🇲 set the tone early with aggressive defense and fast-break execution, ultimately pulling away to secure a 67–42 win over the Cayman Bulldogs.

Despite the loss, the Bulldogs showed grit and heart. Delroy Irvine III led the team with 10 points and 9 rebounds, while Dwight Hewitt Jr. contributed 6 points and 11 rebounds. Campion’s balanced team effort was anchored by Ryheem Martel, who delivered 14 points, 5 rebounds, and a stunning 13 steals.

🔥 “Campion’s defensive intensity was the difference-maker,” said a fan in attendance. “They came to play.”

Game 2: Cayman U17 Storm Overpowers Texas Tigers, 84–68

In the headline game of the night, the Cayman U17 Storm stormed the court with poise and purpose, defeating the Texas Tigers 🇺🇸 84–68.

Griffin Macdonald lit it up from beyond the arc, dropping 23 points and sinking 5 three-pointers. Daric Ebanks had a dominant all-around game with 22 points, 4 steals, 4 assists and 9 rebounds, while Obrien Wilson dominated the paint with 17 boards and 10 points. The Storm’s 58 total rebounds and 78% shooting from the free-throw line proved too much for Texas, despite an impressive 30-point performance from Jeremiah Thirdkill.

“We came out ready. We wanted to protect home court — and we did just that,” said U17 head coach Jonathan Powery.

🗓 What’s Next?

Fans won’t have to wait long for more action:

📅 July 4 – ARC (Camana Bay)
• 6:00 PM – Texas Tigers vs Campion College
• 8:00 PM – Cayman U17 Storm vs Cayman Bulldogs

🎟️ Tickets:
• CI $10/day (Adults)
• CI $5/day (Kids under 10)
• CI $25 – All-Tournament Pass

🎫 Get tickets now at: www.caymanbasketball.com

🏀 2025 PwC U16 League Finals Recap: Champions Rise Under the Lights

The 2025 PwC U16 Basketball League came to a thrilling close on June 18 at John Gray High School, where fans witnessed two exciting championship showdowns that showcased the next generation of Cayman’s basketball talent.

👑 Girls Division Final

Infinity 79 – WOV Courage 37

In the opening game of the night, Infinity delivered a dominant all-around performance to claim the PwC U16 Girls Championship.

Jessica Dawson was simply unstoppable, leading all scorers with 34 points and pulling down 16 rebounds in a Finals MVP-worthy performance. She was backed by Naomi Welcome, who added 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Naima Myles, who poured in 16 points of her own.

Infinity’s defensive pressure and rebounding edge kept WOV Courage off balance for most of the game. Still, Mia DaCosta stood tall for Courage, contributing 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Zerah Allen and Hailey Gutierrez chipped in key buckets.

“Infinity came in focused, and they left no doubt. Their chemistry, hustle, and execution were elite from start to finish.”

👑 Boys Division Final

SKL Blades 70 – Shockwaves 62

The Boys Championship brought intensity, passion, and highlight-reel plays as the SKL Blades edged out a relentless Shockwaves team to win the PwC U16 Boys title.

Delroy Irvine III led the way for the Blades with 22 points and 8 rebounds, while Naziah Webb controlled the glass and the scoreboard with 20 points and 10 boards. Daniel Burnett also made his mark, adding 11 points and an incredible 8 steals, setting the defensive tone.

The Shockwaves put up a fierce fight, led by Adrian Lewis, who finished with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals. Liam Ramoon added 11 points, and Dwight Hewitt Jr. anchored the defense with 3 blocks and a perfect shooting night.

Despite a strong team effort, turnovers and free-throw struggles (28% FT) proved costly for Shockwaves down the stretch.

“The Blades played with heart and discipline. They made key plays when it mattered most and earned every bit of this title.”

💼 Sponsored by PwC

CIBA extends its deepest gratitude to PwC Cayman Islands for their continued investment in youth development. The PwC U16 League has once again proven to be a launching pad for future stars — on and off the court.

Hoop Fest is Here

The Cayman Islands Basketball Association (CIBA) is proud to announce the launch of the Cayman Islands Hoop Fest, an exciting new international youth basketball tournament taking place July 3–5 at the Arts & Recreation Centre (ARC) in Grand Cayman.

This premier event will showcase the incredible talent of our National Under-17 Boys Team as they face elite competition from visiting teams representing Texas and Jamaica. Hoop Fest is more than just a tournament—it’s a stepping stone for our young athletes to gain vital international experience, develop their skills, and proudly represent the Cayman Islands on home soil.

🎟 Admission & Tournament Passes

Adults: CI $10.00 per day Children under 10: CI $5.00 per day All-Tournament Pass: CI $25.00 (Save nearly 20% and enjoy all the action!)

Get Your Tickets here

🏆 Why Hoop Fest Matters

This event marks a significant milestone for basketball in the Cayman Islands. By hosting high-level teams from abroad, we’re creating an opportunity for our national athletes to grow in confidence, refine their skills, and test themselves in a competitive setting that mirrors the intensity of regional and international play.

🙌 Thank You to Our Sponsors

This event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors:

Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage Cost-U-Less Dynamic Sports & Events

Your partnership helps fuel the future of Cayman basketball!

We invite the entire community to come out and support our future stars. Wear your Cayman colours, bring the energy, and be part of history as we tip off this exciting new chapter in local basketball!

Follow us for updates, highlights, and game schedules:

🌐 www.caymanbasketball.com

📲 Instagram & Facebook: @345basketball

Lions Roar to the Title: Game 2 Victory Secures 2025 National Men’s League Championship

In a decisive display of teamwork, toughness, and tactical execution, the Lions secured the 2025 National Men’s League Division 1 Championship with a 68–56 victory over the Sol Blazers in Game 2 of the best-of-three finals. With this win, the Lions clinched the series 2–0 and etched their name in the CIBA history books as the newest champions of Cayman basketball.

The contest started with playoff-level intensity, as both teams traded baskets early. The Blazers, eager to force a Game 3, leaned heavily on the veteran presence of Tarik Smith-James, who dropped a game-high 25 points and pulled down 5 rebounds. Samuel O’Garro added a double-digit performance with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Teran Timoll chipped in 10 points and 6 boards of his own.

But the Lions had answers — and then some.

Jerome Narcisse delivered a performance worthy of MVP conversations, pouring in 28 points, dishing out 5 assists, and grabbing 6 rebounds. Whether attacking the paint or stretching the defense, Narcisse was electric. Meanwhile, Curtis Wilson dominated the glass, finishing with 12 points and 16 rebounds, playing a vital role in limiting the Blazers’ second-chance opportunities.

Also shining was Justin Collins, who hit timely threes and finished with 14 points and 7 rebounds, helping the Lions sustain momentum whenever the Blazers threatened a comeback.

From start to finish, the Lions’ composure, depth, and rebounding edge (47 total boards) proved to be the difference-makers. They shot an efficient 55.3% on 2-pointers and did just enough from the line to keep the Blazers at bay.

🦁 A Championship Built on Balance and Brotherhood

This title wasn’t about individual dominance — it was about chemistry. The Lions consistently outpaced opponents with their defensive grit, ball movement, and unselfish play throughout the season. With this championship win, they’ve cemented themselves as one of the most well-rounded teams in recent CIBA memory.

As for the Blazers, the final score doesn’t reflect the heart and hustle they brought to the court. With a strong core and experienced leadership, they’ll undoubtedly regroup and come back stronger next season.

👑 Final Series Result: Lions win 2–0

Game 1: Lions 66 – Blazers 60 Game 2: Lions 68 – Blazers 56

Congratulations to the Lions, the 2025 National Men’s League Division 1 Champions! 🏆🔥

Brac Referee Clinic a success!

📣 Referee Development Spotlight: Greg Hamilton in Cayman Brac!

On May 4th, CIBA’s very own certified Referee Instructor Greg Hamilton led an engaging and impactful Officials Clinic in Cayman Brac!

With 16 participants in attendance, the clinic focused on rules knowledge, mechanics, and game management — key areas as we continue to grow and strengthen our officiating team across the islands. Special thanks to the Sports Association of the Sister Islands for facilitating and sponsoring the event.

This initiative is part of CIBA’s broader mission to elevate the standard of basketball officiating and ensure our leagues are supported by confident, competent, and certified officials.

Big thanks to Mr. Hamilton for his leadership and to the Brac community for showing up in full force!