CIS Triumphs in U16 Boys League Showdown

In a riveting championship match of the PWC U16 Boys League, CIS emerged victorious over 345 Cayman Hoops with a final score of 66-49. This intense game displayed a mix of strategic play and standout individual performances, particularly from CIS, who showcased their depth and skill to secure the win.

Top Performers for CIS:

  1. Griffin Macdonald was the game’s high scorer with 29 points, demonstrating his shooting prowess by successfully making half of his 18 two-point attempts and adding three three-pointers. His ability to score from both inside and outside was pivotal to CIS’s offensive strategy. Additionally, Macdonald contributed 9 rebounds and 4 steals, making significant impacts on defense.
  2. Ayo Ogunyebi played a crucial role, particularly under the basket, with 13 points and a game-high 14 rebounds, including 6 offensive boards. His presence in the paint was dominant, aiding CIS in controlling the game’s tempo and securing second-chance points. Ogunyebi’s defensive efforts were equally impressive, recording 4 blocks.
  3. James Fletcher added 10 points, hitting crucial shots that helped maintain CIS’s lead. His contributions were well-rounded, with 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal, playing a key role in both the offensive setups and defensive stops.

Top Performers for 345 Cayman Hoops:

  1. Liam Ramoon led his team with 13 points, mixing it up with a strong inside game and the team’s only three-pointer. His all-around performance was bolstered by 5 rebounds and 2 assists, showcasing his versatility.
  2. Dylan Simpson was a notable performer with 11 points and 10 rebounds, achieving a double-double. Simpson’s effort on the boards, particularly with 9 offensive rebounds, kept his team in contention throughout the game.
  3. Amari Latham contributed 9 points and pulled down 5 rebounds. While his shooting wasn’t as efficient as usual, his defensive work, including 3 blocks, highlighted his defensive capabilities.

Game Analysis:

CIS’s strategy was effectively centered around aggressive inside play and timely shooting. Their 31.1% shooting from two-point range was complemented by crucial three-pointers, where they shot 25%. Their defensive work, characterized by 5 blocks and 7 steals, disrupted many of Cayman Hoops’ plays.

On the other side, 345 Cayman Hoops struggled with their shooting efficiency, managing only 33.9% from the field and their shots from beyond the arc simply weren’t falling. Their ability to stay in the game was aided by stronger defensive efforts, which included 4 blocks and 13 steals, but turnovers, opponent’s offensive rebounds and missed opportunities ultimately cost them.

The championship match was a testament to the skill and determination of these young athletes, with CIS using a combination of strategic defense and efficient scoring to clinch the title. This victory marks a significant achievement in their season, celebrating their teamwork, perseverance, and basketball prowess.

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.

Blazers have the Perfect Season

The Sol Blazers just keep piling up the win column! After completing an undefeated regular season, the league leaders would not disappoint their fans! But it would not come without a fight. The 2nd seeded CIS team was no pushover. They arguably have the best style of basketball in the league and a well rounded group. But the Blazers play a high octane and very physical style of play that often leaves their opponents in shambles. They take advantage of their athleticism.

The game was a fantastic one to watch. Both teams were neck and neck for the entire game. The game saw several lead changes and just when you thought the Blazers had it int he bag, CIS came storming back. It was definitely a game of chess as both coaches kept trying out different combinations and styles, hoping to find an easy formula to win. But there were none! The game was competitive from start to finish but in the end, the Sol Blazers would raise the championship trophy as the smoke cleared!

The Blazers were led by Jamie Dean Stewart who asserted his rebounding prowess and finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds, 7 steals and 4 blocks. Teammate Osmond Anderson (the League’s best defensive player) poured in 17 points to go along with his 10 rebounds. Jaylan Lopez was in foul trouble for much of the game but still managed to finish with 8 points and 8 rebounds while Arion Wright added 10 points and 2 steals.

For CIS, Scoring Champion Griffin MacDonald led the way with 24 points and 7 rebounds while rebound champion Ayo Ogunyebi added 15 points, 15 rebounds and 4 steals. James Fletcher, the leagues assist leader, added 9 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists.

The Final Score: 65-57 in favor of the Sol Blazers who have now won the Men’s League, and the Under 16 boys league in the same year.

A DREAM Come True

There is a new champion in U16 Girls basketball! The Dream took on the Women of Valor Fearless in the championship of the annual PWC Under 16 girls league. The Dream got off to a blazing start, applying some early pressure and paying a lot of attention to the leading scorers of the Fearless. However, the Fearless came storming back when they applied some pressure of their own which changed the momentum of the game. Both teams were back and forth for 4 quarters but mid way through the 4th quarter the Dream pulled ahead by 10 points and would not give up the lead.

Dream were led by the league leading scorer Jessica Watler who poured in 27 points to go along with her 10 rebounds and 6 blocks; this also earned her Finals MVP honours. Teammate Abriann Cooper added 10 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks.

For the Fearless, Ajulon Thomas led the way with 10 points, 9 rebounds and 5 blocks while teammate, Alissa Myles-Powell added 8 points, 11 rebounds and 5 steals.

Final Score: 49-37 in favor of the Dream.

A Fearless Victory

Women of Valor Fearless are the new 2021 PWC National U16 Girls Champions 🏀🥇🏆💙👍🏼💪🏽

The WOV Fearless defeated Women of Valor Courage in a nail biting overtime finish on Saturday evening (July 10) at the John Gray Gym.

Courage led the game in the first quarter as their star player Annika Moore kept her teammates in the game but with a few defensive adjustments from Fearless Coach April Ebanks, Selezqua McLaughlin and her squad were neck and neck with the regular season champs through the end. When Fearless’ leading scorer McLaughlin fouled out late in the 3rd quarter everyone thought the game was over. But a few mins into the 4th quarter Courage’s leading scorer Moore also got her 5th foul. For the remainder of the game both teams were forced to finish without their leading scorers.

Selezqua McLaughlin led her Fearless team with 21 points. But it was Brivanna Bodden who stepped up big time for Fearless with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals. Also worthy of note, Bodden was 100% on the freethrow line.

Lorrie Brown also stepped up big grabbing 20 rebounds and 8 points.

For Courage: Annika Moore led the team with 31 points, 10 rebounds, 7 steals and 3 blocks.

The final score 51 to 49

Warriors Claim Under 16 Title!

Warriors are the new 2021 PWC National U16 Boys championships. 🏆🏀❤💪🏽👍🏼

From the jump, the Ice Tray and Warriors matchup was a close encounter with several lead changes. Nathaniel Anderson put on a show for the Ice Tray fans but in the end the Warriors would emerge victorious.

After Warriors star player Xzavier Miller was fouled out with two minutes left in the 4th quarter one would think the game would be over but the Warriors team stepped up and showed why practice makes perfect and the team with the least mistakes win.

For Warriors: Enarre Smith led the charge with 15 points, But it would be Xzavier Miller’s 15 rebounds and 12 points that kept the team afloat; Umar Gordon and Jamar Ellis both added points each.

For Ice Tray: Nathaniel Anderson too scored with 23 points and Andrew Stone followed with 12 points and 14 rebounds.

Final score: Warriors 54 Ice Tray 51

The PwC Basketball Under 16 Leagues Off to a Fast Start
PwC and KPMG Sponsor Under 16 and Under 14 Basketball Leagues, Respectively
Fearless Win Under 16 Girls Championship

Everyone loves it when the game goes down to the wire! That’s exactly what happened when the Women of Valor Fearless took met their counterparts, Women of Valor Courage in the finals of the PwC under 16 Girls League title match.  

These young ladies were anything but lady-like when the jump ball took place, making it clear they were all about business and could save the pleasantries until after the final whistle.  The game saw several lead changes and it was unclear as to who was walking away with the crown.  Latoya Brown of the WoV Courage dominated the paint, blocking almost anything that came near her and intimidating her opponents.  Lyandrea Watson was all over the court and all over the stat sheet, doing whatever was required to get her team to victory, scoring, rebounding and also snatching the ball away whenever it came in her vicinity.

But it was the the day when Fearlessness would prove more valiant that Courage as Shante Reid and Zaria Ebanks combined for 25 of their team’s 33 points and led their team to a 1 point victory in the dying seconds of the game! Ebanks and Reid were also most dominant for their teams on the boards, combing for 18 rebounds.   

Final Score: WV Fearless 33 points vs WV Courage 32 points
Winners – Fearless – Zaria Ebanks – 13 PTS, 12 REBS, 1 ST
                                 Shante Reid – 12 PTS, 6 REBS, 3 AS, 5 STS
Losing Team – WV Courage – Latoya Brown – 12 PTS, 11 REBS, 1 ST, 5 BLS
                                                 Lyandrea Watson – 9 PTS, 7 REBS, 2 AS, 6 STS, 1
FINALS MVP – Zaria Ebanks – WV Fearless
Photo Credit: Wil Bignal Photography
Warriors take PwC U-16 Title

Fans could not have asked for a better final.  The two top teams of the highly contested PwC under 16 Boys league – Warriors and Heat – faced off for the 2017 bragging rights.  Both teams came out with a lightning fast pace! Attacking the basket with reckless abandon and playing “in your face” defense.  It was obvious that no team was intimidated by the other and both were hungry for the title. 

The Warriors decided to focus on Heat leader Ian MacRae, limiting his touches and making every basket difficult and highly contested. But his teammates Jabari Walrond and Lauren Brown stepped up to the challenge to carry the team.

The Heat decided to focus on taking Joshua O’Garro out of the picture. Although O’Garro was still scoring, he got into foul trouble early, which forced his Coach John Ebanks to sit him practically the entire 3rd quarter. While O’Garro was on the bench, Joanki Espinar and Shay Lalor rose to the challenge offensively. 

In the end, the Warriors were able to come up with some key defensive stops that allowed them to create a cushion in the final two minutes of the game to seal the championship! 

Warriors – 58 points vs Heat 49 points

Winners – Warriors – Joshua O’Garro – 27 PTS, 8 REBS, 4 AS, 3 ST
                                  Joanki Espinar – 9 PTS, 10 REBS, 4 AS
Losing Team – Heat – Jabari Walrond – 18 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AS, 6 STS
                                    Lauren Brown – 17 PTS, 10 REBS, 2 AS
FINALS MVP – Joshua O’Garro – Warriors