Tag KPMG

The Thriving Spirit of Youth Basketball: KPMG 14 & Under Interschool League Enters Playoffs

As the 2025 season of the KPMG 14 & Under Interschool League heads into its electrifying playoff stage, the enthusiasm surrounding Cayman Islands youth basketball has never been more palpable. This year, the league boasts an impressive lineup of 13 boys’ teams and 10 girls’ teams, engaging over 250 young athletes from a diverse mix of public and private schools. The league’s continued growth stands as a testament to the thriving basketball culture nurtured within the Cayman Islands.

A Legacy of Excellence and Growth

For more than 14 years, KPMG has been a cornerstone of support for the 14 & Under Interschool League, fostering an environment where young talents can shine. Their steadfast sponsorship underscores the importance of corporate backing in youth sports, enabling the league to provide quality facilities, coaching, and competitive opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

The defending champions, John Gray High School (Boys Division) and Cayman Prep (Girls Division), have demonstrated formidable prowess throughout the season. As they aim to defend their titles, the unpredictability and competitive spirit of the playoffs leave fans eager to see who will emerge victorious.

The Power of Interschool Sports

Participating in interschool sports like the KPMG League offers countless benefits beyond the basketball court:

  1. Character Development: Young athletes learn invaluable life skills such as teamwork, leadership, discipline, and resilience. These traits are not just pivotal on the court but also in academic and personal growth.
  2. Health and Fitness: Regular participation promotes physical health, instilling lifelong habits of fitness and well-being, which are crucial during the formative years.
  3. Social Inclusion and Community Building: Interschool leagues foster friendships across different schools and backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and a strong sense of community among the youth.
  4. Academic Motivation: Sports can enhance academic performance, teaching time management and goal-setting skills. The sense of achievement in athletics often translates into greater confidence in the classroom.

The Role of Corporate Sponsorship

The longstanding partnership with KPMG highlights the critical role that corporate sponsors play in the success of youth sports leagues. Their support goes beyond financial contributions; it symbolizes a commitment to community development, youth empowerment, and the nurturing of future leaders. Sponsorship helps cover essential costs, from equipment and uniforms to travel and tournament organization, ensuring that the league remains accessible to all aspiring young athletes.

Looking Ahead

As the league advances into the playoffs, the excitement builds not just around the potential champions but also around the shared experiences and growth of every participant. The KPMG 14 & Under Interschool League continues to be more than just a competition—it’s a platform where young athletes discover their potential, build lasting memories, and inspire the next generation of basketball talent in the Cayman Islands.

Stay tuned as we follow the journey of these remarkable young athletes, celebrating their passion, perseverance, and sportsmanship both on and off the court.

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! 

KPMG Partner David Watt and Director of Education Mark Ray take a photo with the Champions.
KPMG Reps Andy Stepaniuk – Co Managing Partner, David Watt – Partner- Head of Insurance and Director of Education Mark Ray with the League Runner Up, John Gray High School
KPMG Under 14 Boys League Semi Finals Coming Up

The KPMG Inter-school Boys League is heating up as the top four teams advance after quarter-final action this past Monday. Here were the results :

QUARTERFINALS
Round Date Time Court Game Home Score Away Score Location
1 19-Feb 3:30 1 13 Cayman Prep 25 St Ignatius 24 John Gray Gymnasium
1 19-Feb 4:30 1 14 Marlin Academy 29 Wahoo Academy 31 John Gray Gymnasium
2 19-Feb 3:30 2 15 Clifton Hunter HS 42 Tarpon Academy 8 John Gray Gymnasium
2 19-Feb 4:30 2 16 Dolphin Academy 31 C.I.S. 17 John Gray Gymnasium

Here is the lineup for this coming Monday’s Semi Finals (Games 17 & 18) as well as consolation games (games 19-20): Winners of games 17 and 18 advance to championship match. 

SEMI-FINALS
Round Date Time Court Game Home Score Away Score Location
1 26-Feb 3:30 1 17 Cayman Prep Dolphin Academy John Gray Gymnasium
1 26-Feb 4:30 2 18 Wahoo Academy Clifton Hunter HS John Gray Gymnasium
1 26-Feb 3:30 1 19 St Ignatius C.I.S. John Gray Gymnasium
1 26-Feb 4:30 2 20 Marlin Academy Tarpon Academy John Gray Gymnasium
Wesleyan defeat St. Ignatius

Action continues in the KPMG Under 14 Boys basketball league. This week’s action saw Wesleyan Christian Academy take on St Ignatius Catholic school. Wesleyan jumped out to an early lead, playing at a frantic pace and trying to capitalize on their fast-break opportunities. St ignatius was trying to pound the ball inside where they had an obvious height advantage. It took nearly a quarter and a half for St ignatius to heat up but they came storming back with a vengeance. However after enduring St ignatius’ run, Wesleyan again turned up their defense and was able to force a few turnovers by their opponents. Those turnovers led to fast-break opportunities which also led to some easy baskets. Although St ignatius would make a run late in the fourth quarter it was too little too late and Wesleyan were able to raise their hands in victory from a very closely contested game. Final score 14-11 in favor of Wesleyan.

Photo below: St. Ignatius Catholic School

St Ignatius