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