Infinity Capture the U16 Title

In an exhilarating showdown at the PWC U16 Girls League Championship Match, the Infinity team triumphed over the Infinity All Stars with a final score of 50-39. The game was fiercely contested, showcasing emerging talents from both teams, but it was Infinity’s strategic execution and standout performances that secured their victory.

Top Performers for Infinity:

  1. Naomi Welcome delivered a standout performance, leading her team with 17 points. She was highly efficient from the field, shooting an impressive 66.7%. In addition to her scoring prowess, Welcome grabbed 10 rebounds, contributing a double-double that proved critical in the game’s outcome.
  2. Lorrie Brown was a force on both ends of the court, amassing 15 points and dominating the rebounds with 18, including 8 offensive boards. Her defensive presence was highlighted by 3 blocks, significantly impacting the All Stars’ ability to score inside.
  3. Isabella Maye contributed 6 points and played a key role in maintaining the team’s momentum. While her point tally was modest, her overall floor game helped stabilize Infinity during crucial moments.

Top Performers for Infinity All Stars:

  1. Shantell Wilks stood out for the All Stars with 15 points, demonstrating her ability to score under pressure. She also collected 7 rebounds and contributed defensively with 3 blocks, showcasing her all-around skills.
  2. Fleur Slowey-Dillon added 13 points, and her efficiency from the field was a bright spot for the All Stars. She also grabbed 3 rebounds and made critical plays that kept the game competitive.
  3. Renee Bryant rounded out the top performances with 7 points and a game-high 5 steals, reflecting her defensive tenacity. Bryant’s efforts on defense were instrumental in disrupting Infinity’s offensive flow.

Game Analysis:

Infinity’s strategy was effectively centered around their strong inside game, as evidenced by their 40 total rebounds and a 39.0% shooting percentage from the field. Although they struggled from beyond the arc, their ability to score in the paint and capitalize on second-chance opportunities through offensive rebounds was decisive.

The Infinity All Stars faced challenges in converting their shots, ending the game with a 32.0% field goal percentage. This created difficulties in stretching the defense, which limited their scoring options.

Defensively, both teams showed strengths; however, Infinity’s ability to block 4 shots and create turnovers at critical junctures provided them with the edge needed to maintain their lead.

The game culminated in a well-deserved victory for Infinity, who executed their game plan with precision and took advantage of their physicality inside the paint. This championship win not only highlighted the talent of these young athletes but also promised exciting futures for all participants in the PWC U16 Girls League.

Jan B Pilipinas Defend Their Title

In a thrilling finale to the National Men’s League Division 2 Championship, Jan B Construction edged out Cayman’s U17 Boys team in the decisive third game of the series, clinching the title with a final score of 91-86. This intense matchup not only showcased the high skill levels of both teams but also highlighted their resilience and strategic execution throughout the series.

Top Performers for Jan B Construction:

  1. Jan Barrozo emerged as a key player, leading his team with 26 points. His effective shooting inside, achieving a 52.2% success rate, coupled with his ability to pull down 11 rebounds, provided Jan B Construction with a solid foundation in both scoring and defense.
  2. Prisfel Cruz was a significant contributor with 21 points, demonstrating his sharpshooting skills by hitting 45.5% of his three-point attempts. His proficiency from the free-throw line, where he made 85.7% of his shots, was crucial in the closing stages of the game.
  3. Brian Lacap added 12 points, including key three-pointers that helped shift the momentum in favor of Jan B Construction. His all-around gameplay was evident with 5 steals and 5 assists, making critical plays that spurred his team forward.

Top Performers for U17:

  1. Griffin Macdonald put on a stellar performance, scoring 31 points to lead all scorers. His ability to convert from beyond the arc, where he made six three-pointers, kept U17 in contention throughout the game.
  2. Osmond Anderson was a powerhouse on the boards, grabbing a game-high 20 rebounds and adding 16 points. His double-double performance was a key factor in U17’s competitive edge.
  3. George Brooks contributed 17 points and provided playmaking with 4 assists. His scoring and facilitating played a significant role in U17’s offensive strategies.

Game Analysis:

Jan B Construction showcased their strength in shooting and ball handling, as evidenced by their 49% shooting from two-point range and a solid 34.5% from three-point territory. Their ability to manage turnovers was also impressive, with a 100% assist-to-turnover ratio highlighting efficient passing and decision-making under pressure.

U17 displayed robust rebounding, outmatching Jan B Construction with 45 total rebounds to 37. However, their three-point shooting was slightly less efficient at 32.3%, and their 60% free-throw shooting may have cost them in crucial moments.

The game was a fitting climax to a hard-fought series, with Jan B Construction ultimately seizing control in the final period. Their ability to execute in clutch situations, combined with strategic defensive plays that limited U17’s opportunities, were decisive factors in their victory.

This win marks a significant achievement for Jan B Construction, capping off a successful season with a championship title and their 2nd in a row! Both teams displayed tremendous heart and skill, contributing to a memorable and highly competitive series that highlighted the best of Division 2 basketball.

The U17 Boys team are to be commended for a fantastic season as they were boys playing against men but showed wisdom and skill beyond their years!

Sol Blazers Solidify Their Dynasty

In a dramatic display of basketball prowess, the Sol Blazers triumphed over the IRG Astros with a final score of 98-86, securing their second consecutive and eleventh overall championship title. This victory was not just a win but a testament to the Blazers’ sustained excellence and dominance in the league.

Top Performers for the IRG Astros:

  1. Davion Cotterell once again proved why he’s a key player, delivering a powerhouse performance with 37 points. His relentless attacks and shooting from both inside and beyond the arc kept the Astros competitive throughout the game. Cotterell also contributed 6 rebounds and 3 assists, showcasing his all-around skills on the court.
  2. Jake Whittaker supported the team with 16 points and 10 rebounds, achieving a critical double-double. Whittaker’s efforts on the boards and his scoring inside provided much-needed stability and scoring depth for the Astros.
  3. La-Rue Nixon added a valuable 13 points, including an impressive 60% from three-point land, which highlighted his shooting capabilities. Nixon’s contributions were crucial in keeping the game within reach during key moments.

Top Performers for the Sol Blazers:

  1. Tarik Smith-James led his team with a spectacular 42 points, dominating the court with his shooting efficiency. Smith-James was unstoppable from beyond the arc, where he nailed 6 of 11 attempts, and he was perfect from the free-throw line, making all 12 of his shots. His playmaking was also on display with 7 assists, orchestrating the Blazers’ offense to perfection.
  2. Samuel O’Garro contributed significantly with 31 points, showcasing a phenomenal 75% shooting from two-point range and an impressive 54.5% from three-point range. O’Garro’s dynamic performance was crucial in extending the lead and putting pressure on the Astros’ defense.
  3. Shaad O’Garro was a defensive powerhouse, blocking 7 shots which set the tone defensively for the Blazers. Offensively, he added 11 points and collected 10 rebounds, achieving a double-double that underscored his impact on both ends of the floor.

The game itself was a showcase of high-intensity basketball with the Sol Blazers displaying a masterclass in shooting precision. Their remarkable 52.6% shooting from the field and an astonishing 100% from the free-throw line were indicative of their focused play and execution under pressure. Meanwhile, the IRG Astros fought valiantly but struggled to match the Blazers’ efficiency and depth, particularly in the crucial moments.

This victory for the Sol Blazers is a crowning achievement, reinforcing their legacy as a powerhouse in the league. Their ability to perform under pressure and rise to the occasion in crucial games has been a hallmark of their success. As they lift their eleventh title, the Blazers not only celebrate their victory today but also affirm their enduring excellence and dominance in the sport. This championship game was not just a win but a celebration of skill, strategy, and the spirit of basketball at its best.

WATCH THE GAME HERE!

A DREAM Becomes Reality

In a fiercely contested basketball showdown, DREAM narrowly edged out Infinity, clinching a hard-fought 58-54 victory. The game, filled with high-intensity plays and strategic masterstrokes, highlighted the depth of talent and resilience in both teams.

From the onset, Infinity set a brisk pace, challenging DREAM with aggressive defense and swift counterattacks. Victoria Gray, Infinity’s standout player, emerged as a crucial figure in the game’s dynamics. She poured in a team-high 18 points, displaying remarkable versatility in her play. Notably, Gray managed to sink 2 of her 8 attempts from three-point range, a testament to her range and shooting ability. Beyond her scoring, Gray’s defensive prowess was equally impressive. She recorded five steals over the course of the game, disrupting DREAM’s offensive flow and igniting fast-break opportunities for her team.

Complementing Gray’s performance, Shantell Wilks also stepped up for Infinity. She contributed 10 points, converting an efficient 62.5% of her shots from the field. Wilks didn’t just make her presence felt on the offensive end; she also grabbed four rebounds and added a steal, playing a pivotal role in both the defensive and offensive facets of the game.

Despite these strong performances, DREAM showcased their resilience and strategic execution. Ronjenae DeGray was a powerhouse, not only scoring 23 points with a commendable 47.4% shooting accuracy but also dominating the glass. DeGray’s remarkable tally of 26 rebounds was a game-high, and her ability to control the paint was a critical element in DREAM’s strategy. Her defensive contributions were just as vital, with five blocks that served as a stark reminder of her presence in the key.

Adding to DREAM’s offensive arsenal was Kayah Clarke, who scored 25 points. Although Clarke struggled with her long-range shooting, she excelled at the free-throw line, where she went 9 for 11. Her ability to draw fouls and capitalize on those opportunities underscored her importance to DREAM’s offensive game plan. Clarke also contributed eight rebounds, assisting DeGray in controlling the rebounding battle.

The game itself was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts. Infinity’s strategy seemed to focus on exploiting fast-break opportunities and applying pressure through aggressive defense. On the other side, DREAM’s game plan was anchored in maximizing their interior strength and rebounding capabilities to control the pace of the game. Infinity’s defensive strategy was clear; Clarke was getting double and triple teamed on almost every play, giving more room for DeGray to go to work. Clarke scored a league high 66 points in the previous meeting.

As the game wound down, the scores were tight, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. In the closing minutes, DREAM’s slight edge in free-throw shooting proved to be the difference. Their 76.2% accuracy from the line, compared to Infinity’s 36.4%, provided the necessary cushion to hold off a late surge from Infinity.

The final buzzer marked not just the end of a game but a celebration of exceptional basketball. Both teams displayed incredible determination and skill, with DREAM coming out on top in this thrilling encounter. This game not only highlighted individual brilliance but also the strategic intricacies of basketball, where every play and every decision can sway the outcome. Fans were left in awe of the sheer competitiveness and spirit shown by both teams, making this a memorable matchup in the league’s history.

Clarke Finished as the Series MVP, Averaging 45 points and 8 rebounds through the two games.

Series MVP Kayah Clarke
Subscribe to the CIBA Youtube Channel

CIBA has launched a new youtube channel which will feature games from its various leagues. It will be the primary source for game videos and all are encouraged to subscribe to the channel! Head over to this link Cayman Islands Basketball Association – YouTube and follow us! One of the other purposes of the youtube channel is to eventually become another source of revenue for CIBA’s national and youth programs.

Dream Take Game 1: Clarke Sets a New Record

Ladies and gentlemen, this game was nothing short of spectacular, and we’re here to break it down for you in what was the most exciting Women’s basketball game of the season! First off, let’s talk about the Infinity team. They put up a good fight with a total of 70 points, but the star of their show was none other than Lorrie Brown. This player was a rebounding machine, grabbing 13 boards, scoring 13 points, and swatting away 2 shots. Talk about a double-double with a cherry on top!

But hold on, we can’t forget about Victoria Gray. Dropping 18 points and dishing out 4 assists, she was slicing through the defense like a hot knife through butter. And those 7 rebounds? She was all over the court!

Now, let’s switch gears to the Dream team, who came out on top with 99 points. The MVP here? Without a doubt, Kayah Clarke. Scoring a whopping 66 points, including an unbelievable 53.3% from the three-point line. And let’s not overlook those 18 free throws. She wasn’t just on fire; she was a blazing inferno! Clarke set a National record with this performance!

And we can’t leave out Ronjenae DeGray. With 24 points, a 58.3% shooting from the field, and dominating the glass with 19 rebounds, she was a force to be reckoned with. Not to mention, she was sharing the rock with 5 assists and protecting the rim with 3 blocks.

Another thing that you won’t see on the stat sheet was Hannah Parchment’s defense on Vicky Gray. parchment made her work for every point and managed to reduce her scoring output by more than 12 points.

In conclusion, while Infinity showed heart, Dream was just on another level. Brown and Gray shined for Infinity, but Clarke and DeGray were the dynamic duo that led Dream to victory. This wasn’t just a basketball game; it was a statement! Now the ball is in Coach Cory McGee’s court as he’s left to make the adjustments and figure out how to stop the dynamic duo.

Cayman School Wins CISA Tournament

In April, Cayman International School proudly participated in the inaugural 2024 Caribbean International Sports Association (CISA) tournament, a collaborative effort among five international schools spanning the Caribbean region. This exciting event, held from April 17th to 21st, was hosted by The Columbus School in Medellin, Colombia.

The tournament showcased U18 Boys and Girls Soccer, Basketball, and Volleyball competitions. CIS competed alongside esteemed institutions like the Carol Morgan School (Dominican Republic), The Baldwin School (Puerto Rico), Colegio Nueva Granada (Bogota, Colombia), and, of course, The Columbus School.

Despite a challenging start with a narrow loss to The Columbus School in the opening game, CIS’s U18 boys basketball team displayed remarkable resilience. They surged through subsequent matches, defeating Colegio Nueva Granada, Carol Morgan School, and The Baldwin School to secure a spot in the Semi Finals. Following a hard-fought battle against The Baldwin School, CIS advanced to the championship showdown against their rivals, the Carol Morgan School. In an intense and physical game, CIS emerged victorious with a narrow 40-39 win, clinching the CISA Boys Basketball championship.

During the closing ceremonies, CIS celebrated the outstanding performances of its athletes, particularly Griffin Macdonald (One of Cayman’s National u17 Players), who earned the Finals MVP title and the tournament’s 3-point shooting championship. Additionally, Griffin and James Fletcher received well-deserved recognition by being named to the Tournament All-Star Team.

A resounding congratulations is extended to the CIS boys basketball team for their remarkable tournament journey and triumphant finals victory. Special acknowledgment goes to Coach Justin for his exceptional leadership and preparation, instrumental in guiding the team through such memorable moments.

John Gray Takes the 2024 U14 Title

In a dominant display of basketball prowess, John Gray High School captured the championship title of the KPMG U15 Boys Basketball League with a resounding 65-19 victory over Triple C in this year’s KPMG U14 School Basketball League. 

The game, characterized by John Gray’s overwhelming offensive and defensive coordination, demonstrated their supremacy in the league. The star of the game was undoubtedly Ra’Jon Bostle who led all scorers with an impressive 18 points, 3 rebounds and 3 steals . Bostel’s exceptional shooting from the field and his ability to drive through the defense was a major factor in his team’s success. His performance was not just about scoring; he also contributed significantly on the defensive end, making crucial steals and rebounds.  

Supporting Brown was Hartwell Mcfield, who also poured in 18 points to the scoreboard. Mcfield’s sharpshooting, especially from beyond the arc, stretched the defense and provided John Gray with multiple scoring avenues. His consistent performance throughout the game helped to maintain the momentum and build an insurmountable lead. 

Leon Shorter also played a pivotal role in the victory, contributing 12 points and 6 rebounds. Shorter excelled in penetrating the defense and facilitating plays, which proved essential in breaking down Triple C’s attempts to rally. 

For Triple C, the 12 year old phenom Dru Myles poured in 70% of his team’s points. But the John Gray Press defense and double team strategy on Myles made life very difficult for Myles to get into a groove.  Triple C has done a phenomenal job to finish in the top 2 with a relatively young team in a league of 12 teams!

The victory was a team effort, with every player contributing to a defense that limited Triple C to just 19 points throughout the game. John Gray’s ability to control the pace of the game and execute their game plan flawlessly underscores their championship-worthy performance. 

This win not only signifies a season of hard work and dedication but also sets a high bar for the growth and standard of play in the KPMG U15 Boys Basketball League. As John Gray High School celebrates their well-deserved championship, the future looks bright for these young athletes who have showcased immense talent and sportsmanship.

Cayman Prep Edges Past John Gray for the U14 Title

In an exciting finale to the 14th annual KPMG U14 Inter-School Girls Basketball League, Cayman Prep clinched the championship title with a hard-fought 32-27 victory over John Gray High School. The game, characterized by intense defense and strategic playmaking, kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. Cayman Prep’s success was spearheaded by their standout players, whose performances were crucial in securing the win. 

Leading the charge was MVP Jess Dawson who displayed remarkable skill and leadership on the court. Morgan tallied an impressive 20 points, making her the top scorer of the game. Her ability to drive to the basket and make crucial shots under pressure was a key factor in her team’s success. 

 Supporting Morgan was Cass Coles who contributed significantly with 6 points and 2 steals. Coles’ defensive prowess was notable, as she managed to disrupt many of John Gray’s attempts to score, and her energy on the court spurred her team to maintain their lead.  

Leading John Gray’s efforts was Kylie Bodden-Watler who emerged as the team’s top player with 9 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals. Watler’s ability to find scoring opportunities and execute under pressure made her a significant threat on the court. Her agility and sharp shooting skills were on full display, keeping her team in contention throughout the game. Another standout performer for John Gray was Jade Cole who contributed 6 points and 9 rebounds. Cole’s versatility was crucial; she played effectively both in the paint and on the perimeter, showcasing her adaptive play style. Her defensive plays and rebounding were equally important, providing John Gray with multiple second-chance opportunities. Although John Gray did not claim the championship title, the performances of these athletes highlighted their skill and sportsmanship. Their efforts promise exciting future prospects for the team in upcoming seasons, as these young players continue to develop and refine their basketball prowess.

 As Cayman Prep celebrates their well-deserved victory, their teamwork, determination, and the standout performances of these young athletes highlight the bright future of basketball. The thrilling conclusion to this season sets a high standard for the competitions to come and KPMG has been instrumental in the growth of youth basketball by supporting this league for the 14th straight year! 

Corporate 3×3 League Coming up!

Get ready to light up the courts because Camana Bay is about to get all kinds of lit with the most electrifying, ankle-breakin’, 3X3 basketball league you’ve ever seen! This isn’t your regular pickup game at the park. Oh no, we’re talking about the creme de la creme of corporate ballers, ready to lay it all on the line in the ultimate showdown of hoops mastery.

With the Caribbean sun setting the stage, teams from the fiercest competitors in the corporate world will battle it out, showcasing their skills, agility, and unbreakable team spirit. Imagine the heart-pounding buzzer-beaters, the no-look passes, the jaw-dropping crossovers – this league is where legends are born and bragging rights are earned.

So, mark your calendars, grab your jerseys, and lace up your sneakers. It’s not just a game; it’s a celebration of basketball, camaraderie, and sheer wizardry, all set against the backdrop of the breathtakingly beautiful Camana Bay. See Flyer and attached rules for details! See you on the court!

The league takes place every Tuesday night from 7-9 pm from April 2nd – May 21st.
Registration fee is CI $180.00 per team and the deadline to register is March 26th.
There will be prizes and surprises. The league is co-ed.
Teams must provide their own tops which should have numbers on the front and back!
Email cbsc@camanabay.com to register.