Tag national women’s league

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
Legends Clip Eagles’ Wings

In this basketball game, both the Kelly Law Eagles and WOV Legends displayed notable performances from their players, though the game was marked by defensive prowess and turnovers. Let’s break down the top performers from each team.

Kelly Law Eagles Analysis

  • Maggie Ebanks: Ebanks stood out for the Kelly Law Eagles with a team-high 11 points on 50% shooting from the field (5 of 10). Her presence was especially dominant on the boards, grabbing 15 rebounds (12 defensive, 3 offensive), contributing significantly to her team’s efforts in controlling the paint. Additionally, her defensive contributions included 2 blocks, emphasizing her role as a key defensive anchor for her team.
  • Clevisha Smith: Smith contributed 12 points, the second-highest on her team, on 42.9% shooting (6 of 14). While she did not convert her single three-point attempt, she played an essential role in the Eagles’ offense. Smith also collected 3 rebounds and contributed defensively with 2 steals, showcasing her all-around contributions despite the team’s overall struggles.

WOV Legends Analysis

  • Chloe Powery-Doxey: Powery-Doxey was the game’s top scorer with 16 points on an efficient 53.8% shooting from the field (7 of 13). Although she did not make any of her three three-point attempts, her effort on the free-throw line (2 of 4) and her massive contribution on the defensive end with 14 steals stand out as a game-changing performance. She also contributed 8 rebounds, displaying her versatility and impact on both ends of the court.
  • Shana Linwood-McLaughlin: Linwood-McLaughlin contributed significantly to her team’s victory with 15 points, utilizing her shooting ability to hit 50% of her shots from the field (6 of 12) and converting one of her three three-point attempts. Along with her scoring, Linwood-McLaughlin added 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal, proving to be a valuable all-around player for the Legends.

Game Summary

The game was characterized by a high number of turnovers from both teams, with the Kelly Law Eagles committing a total of 32 and the WOV Legends 19. This aspect of the game highlighted the defensive efforts put forth by both teams, particularly by the Eagles’ Ashley Wood, who managed to secure 5 steals despite only scoring 2 points.

Despite the Eagles’ struggles with shooting efficiency (32.2% from the field and 0% from the three-point line), their performance at the free-throw line was notable, converting 88.9% of their attempts. This efficiency, however, was not enough to overcome the Legends, who managed a slightly better field goal percentage (34.7%) and capitalized on their opportunities from beyond the arc (25%).

The game’s standout performers, Ebanks for the Eagles and Powery-Doxey for the Legends, showcased their abilities to impact the game beyond just scoring, with Ebanks dominating the glass and Powery-Doxey’s exceptional defensive prowess with 14 steals. These individual performances highlighted the competitive nature of the game, with both teams showing strengths and areas for improvement moving forward.

Infinity Tells Opponents to DREAM on!

In this thrilling basketball matchup, we saw standout performances from players on both teams, with the Dream and Infinity showcasing their talent and determination on the court.

Game Summary

This game was a showcase of exceptional individual performances, with Clarke and Parchment leading the charge for the Dream, and Gray and Brown standing out for Infinity. Clarke’s all-around game and Gray’s scoring efficiency were particularly noteworthy. The game’s statistics reveal contrasting strategies, with the Dream leveraging their prowess from the free-throw line (67.7%) and the three-point line (40.0%), while Infinity capitalized on their superior shooting from the field (60.8% on two-pointers, 53.8% on three-pointers) and a slightly more efficient team performance overall. The Dream’s efforts on the defensive boards and the contributions from their top players in rebounds, assists, and blocks highlight a strong team effort despite the loss. Infinity’s balanced attack, led by Gray’s scoring and Brown’s efficiency, ultimately provided the edge needed for their victory. Final Score: 86-79 in favor of Infinity.

Dream Team Analysis

  • Kayah Clarke: Clarke led the Dream with a phenomenal performance, scoring 42 points, a game-high. She was efficient from beyond the arc, hitting 5 out of 12 three-point attempts (41.7%) and was stellar from the free-throw line, making 11 out of 14 attempts (78.6%). Clarke also contributed across the board with 13 rebounds (9 defensive, 4 offensive), showcasing her ability to impact the game beyond just scoring. Her defensive efforts were highlighted by 3 blocks and 1 steal, demonstrating her all-around game.
  • Hannah Parchment: Parchment provided significant support with 27 points, utilizing her opportunities inside the paint by taking 28 two-point attempts and making 10 of them (35.7%). While she struggled from the three-point line, missing her only attempt, her presence was felt at the free-throw line where she went 7 for 10 (70%). Parchment also contributed 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks, showcasing her versatility and defensive capabilities.

Infinity Team Analysis

  • Victoria Gray: Gray was the standout player for Infinity, delivering an impressive 41 points. She was remarkably efficient, shooting 73.3% from two-point range (11 of 15) and an astonishing 75% from beyond the arc (6 of 8). Gray also collected 10 rebounds, demonstrating her ability to contribute significantly to her team’s efforts on both ends of the floor. Her scoring efficiency and rebounding were key to Infinity’s performance.
  • Lorrie Brown: Brown added 10 points on an efficient 71.4% shooting from the field (5 of 7). Although she did not attempt any three-pointers or free throws, her contribution was vital in the paint. Brown also collected 4 rebounds, all of which were defensive, playing a crucial role in limiting the Dream’s second-chance opportunities.

Lady Warriors Dynasty wins 5th consecutive title

By Dionne Anglin

The Tribal Tattoo Lady Warriors have made history as the winningest team in Women’s basketball. After their 2-0 Series win over the Women of Valor Alumni, the Lady Warriors became the first team in women’s basketball history to win 5 consecutive titles and a total of 8 titles in the past 10 years.

The lady Warriors executed a very specific game plan to overcome the leagues scoring champion Khailan O’Connor and her supporting cast. The goal was to keep the ball out of O’Connor’s hands an apply stifling defense when she didn’t have the ball. O’Connor’s every move was met with help defense. On offense, the Lady Warriors attacked the WOV’s 1-1-3 defense with a 2-1-2 offense, making it difficult for the Women of Valor team to trap as planned.

In the 4th quarter of game 2, the Lady Warriors were able to finally pull away from their opponents to seal the game in emphatic fashion and add more hardware to their shelves. The only question now is: ill anyone be able to break up this dynasty before they all retire? Only time will tell and there are certainly some players that are eager to do so.

Lady Heels 3-Peat!

Read the Full Story at Cayman Sports Buzz! http://www.caymansportsbuzz.com/three-straight-titles-for-lady-warriors/ 

Islanders Making Waves in 2017

Photo Credit: Wil Bignal Photography

No one saw it coming.  Everyone knows that building a team takes time, especially when most of your players are new to the sport. This was the Islanders in 2016.  They went through the 2016 season without a win, but established themselves as a “take no prisoners”, rough and tough team.  There was one critical ingredient that the team was missing…..EXPERIENCE.  

However, this year came as a shock to the other opponents who expected to pretty much the same team.  But when the defending Champions – Lady Warriors – saw some veterans step onto the court for the Islanders, their smiles disappeared quickly! And for good reason.  By the time the smoke cleared, the defending champions found themselves in shock; losing to the Islanders 42-33.  With the addition of players like Jennifer Cotarelo-Choice, Renee Thompson, Scimone Campbell, Krystle Barrett and Christsania Parker, the Islanders are now a force to be reckoned with.  

Coach Voot gives instructions to the Islanders by: Wil Bignal Photography

Lunn leads Dream past Islanders

The 2016 finals runner up, Dream, took on the new league sensation, the Islanders on May 7th at the Clifton Hunter High School Gym.

This year’s Islanders team has definitely 10X’ed their performance compared to last year, with additions such as Scimone Campbell, Jennifer Cottarelo-Choice, Krystle Barrett, Renee Thompson and Christsania Parker.  The game was fast and furious, seeing lead change after lead change and big play after big play.  But in the 4th quarter, Eve Lunn turned on the heat and made the Islanders pay for leaving her open on the 3-point line, hitting four huge baskets from behind the arc and putting the Dream out front.  

Final Score Dream – 49
Islanders – 47
Dream – 
Eve Lunn – 18 pts; 9 rebs, 1st
Carmen Picante – 9 pts; 5 as; 5 sts
Theresa Hamel – 8 pts; 11 rebs; 
Islanders – 
Jennifer Cotarelo-Choice – 14 pts; 5 rebs; 6 sts
Krystle Barrett – 11 pts; 10 rebs; 3 sts
Scimone Campbell – 10 pts; 21 rebs; 4 as; 8 sts
Photo Credit: Wil Bignal Photography
Women of Valor put the Brakes on Islanders

Women’s basketball continues to heat up as the national women’s league is enjoying very balanced competitive games. The women of valor took on the Islanders who are much stronger this year and have gotten off to a great start by defeating the defending champions, Lady Warriors, in their season debut. The woman of valor however wanted to make sure that this start would not continue with them. Led by Guiesha Smith, The women of valor played a very up tempo game and focused their efforts on Islanders’ leader Scimone Chin. Both teams were neck and neck for the vast majority of the game and it was only until the final four minutes of the fourth quarter that the women of valor were finally able to pull away and get a small amount of breathing room.

Final Score 45-40 in favor of Women of Valor who are the only undefeated team thus far and will face the Lady Warriors this coming Sunday.

Guiesha Smith led the WOV with 14 points, 17 rebounds and 6 blocks.
Jade Wheeler also posted 14 points, but added 9 rebounds and 3 steels to her tally.

For the Islanders, Scimone Chin had 6 points, a league high 13 steals and 11 rebounds, just shy of a triple double.
Teammate Renee Thompson had a monster game on the boards, pulling down 18 rebounds. Jennifer Cotarelo-Choice also had an impressive game, finishing with 8 points, 6 steals and 6 assists.

Photo Credit: Wil Bignal Photography

Lady Warriors wake up Dream

The defending champions Lady Warriors were able to defeat their rivals the Dream despite suffering their first loss in their season opener.
The Warriors, led by Captain Dionne Anglin, got off to an early start, pounding the ball down in the post and taking advantage of their post mismatches. The Dream made A few runs in an attempt to bring the game back but each time they cut the deficit the Warriors would take a turn of their own and open the lead back up. Although Maggie Ebanks fouled out halfway through the third quarter the Lady Warriors were able to hold off the Dream to a final score of 34-29. In the end, the Warriors defense proved too difficult for the Dream to overpower as the warriors had a team league high 10 blocks and also had 17 second chance opportunities. 

For the Warriors, Dionne Anglin led with 12 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks. Teammate Stacey Kelly added 4 points, a game high 18 rebounds and 4 blocks.

For the Dream: Kimberley Ebanks led with 9 points and 10 rebounds. 

Basketball Up and Running

Basketball season in the Cayman Islands is once again off to a successful start. Led by the Cayman Islands Basketball Association (CIBA), several leagues and clinics have taken shape offering vast opportunities to participate in this growing sport on Island. Whether a veteran or beginner, young or “seasoned”, female or male, all are more than welcome to come out and participate.

CIBA provides a fun, safe environment to engage in the sport of basketball, learn about teamwork and commitment as well as gain local and international recognition. CIBA provides youth the opportunity to play overseas at the High School and/or Collegiate level. To date, over a dozen local male and female youth have continued their education overseas through participation in CIBA programs.

These opportunities would not be possible without CIBA sponsorship. PwC generously continues their community outreach through their longstanding sponsorship of The PwC Basketball Under 16 Boys and Girls Leagues. Additionally, KPMG once again has been gracious in sponsoring The KPMG Basketball Under 14 Boys and Girls Leagues. Amongst many other benefits, these sponsorships allow proper statistical record keeping along with the opportunity to play games indoors, crucial for player development.

Stay tuned for updates and developments as the basketball season persists, including plans for a new facility, along with upcoming basketball related events taking place within the Cayman Islands.

For more information including sponsorship opportunities, please contact Michael Diamond at +1 (345) 916-2430 and / or Coach Voot at +1 (345) 916-5083 or visit https://caymanbasketball.com/

“Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.”

-John Wooden (Renowned Basketball Player and Coach)

Leagues

Men’s League

Start Date: February 19, 2017

End Date: End of May, 2017

Location: Sundays at Clifton Hunter High School, Thursdays at the ARC at Camana Bay or the CIBA Court on Eastern Avenue

Women’s League

Start Date: April 23rd

End Date: TBD

Location: Clifton Hunter High School

 

The PwC Basketball Under 16 League (Boys and Girls)

Start Date: April 1, 2017

End Date: June 3, 2017

Location: Clifton Hunter High School on Saturdays, 4 PM – 6 PM (Girls) and 6 PM – 8PM (Boys)

Sponsor: PwC

Sponsor Statement: Craig Smith, Partner at PwC says, “PwC is proud to support the PwC Basketball Under 16 boys and girls leagues as we believe that organizations such as CIBA provide a positive outlet for the youth of the Cayman Islands and encourages the kids to stay active, develop their talents and provides local and overseas opportunities which in turn forms a strong foundation for success in the future. We also recognize the individuals who are vital to running the league efficiently by volunteering their time and efforts to ensure the season is a successful one.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(From left to right: Coach Voot (CIBA), Leslie Wilson (PwC), Craig Smith (PwC), Michael Diamond (CIBA))

The KPMG Basketball Under 14 League (Boys and Girls)

Start Date: End of March, 2017

End Date: May 11, 2017

Location: 3:15 PM or 3:30 PM Mondays and Thursdays at various venues (Boys), 3:30 PM Tuesdays and Wednesdays at various venues (Girls)

Sponsor: KPMG

Sponsor Statement: “KPMG continues to support the Under 14 Basketball program as we see the value and benefits over the years that the students receive from participating, thanks to Coach Victor “Voot” O’Garro and his colleagues. We have seen the success of some of the participants continuing abroad and we look forward to the future success of other students in the program.” Andrew Stepaniuk, Partner at KPMG in the Cayman Islands stated.

 

(One of the John Gray High School Academy Teams Posing at halftime of a recent match in the KPMG Basketball Under 14 League play)

One thing is for sure; Basketball is alive and well in Cayman!