Team Bank Charge has established itself as the queens of 3×3 by capturing their 3rd consecutive 3×3 tournament title. However, this one did not come without a scare. A revamped Kaash Team, consisting of April Ebanks, Vania Cornwall and Vicky Gray, actually handed Bank Charge their first loss of the season during round robin play.
It was certainly up for grabs and everyone was certain that it would come down to a rematch for the title. But Bank Charge got hot late in the game with an onslaught of 3’s from Chloe Powery-Doxey and Hannah Parchment. One minute, it was 11-10 and then It just began raining 3’s! When that starts happening, hopes get diminished really quickly! In the end, Bank Charge would emerge as the undisputed champs for this series of tournaments, sponsored by the Cayman Islands Classic.
It was another exciting evening of three on three basketball action! Eight teams took to the court for 3 on 3 supremacy and bragging rights for the “hoop it up” tournament which is the second of a series of tournaments sponsored by the Cayman Islands Classic and in conjunction with a Cayman Islands Basketball Association.
For the men’s division, last week’s second place finishers – the Gladiators – came out with blood in their eyes and eager for revenge on the BlazTros. But they would have to wait for another day as the team called “The Chosen One” advanced to the finals after a three way tie between them, the Blaztros and team “Dem Ones”.
In such instances where there is a tie between teams, placement is then decided by total points scored. This is what propelled “the chosen ones” from being an underdog to competing for the championship and a grand prize of $1000.
But the Gladiators Would not be denied. In what seemed to be a performance motivated by a Russell Crowe-like speech, the gladiators lived up to their name and showed the Chosen Ones that they were chosen for second place. Final Score: 21-15
In the women’s division; the only question was who would be meeting the team called “bank charge” in the finals? The combination of Hannah Parchment’, Chloe powery-Doxey and Guiesha Smith proved to be Golden in the “who got game” three on three basketball tournament last week. But could they be strong enough for a repeat?
Team “truly infinity”, the most worthy adversaries and runners up in the previous tournament, also came on strong; but with their leader Vicky Gray missing, there was not quite enough firepower to overcome Bank Charge in the finals. Youngsters Lorrie Brown and Shantel Wilks led the way for Infinity and certainly have a right future ahead. Final score: 18-9 in favor of Bank Charge who are double champions!
L-R: Guiesha Smith, Hannah Parchment, Chloe Powery-DoxeyFrom left to right: Deandre Simpson, Tikko Moore, Jerome Narcisse, Curtis Wilson
The combination of the SOL Blazers and IRG Astros have proven to be a worthy concoction. Despite facing intense competition from fellow national team rivals from the Gladiators, the monarchs and Dem Ones, The team combo of Shaad O’Garro, Davi Cotterell , Jake Whitaker and Justin Golab proved to be a little too much for their counterparts.
Both the BlazeTros and the Gladiators went undefeated in the regular round play and were destined to meet in the finals. The crowd would not be disappointed as the game went down to the wire and saw Shaad O’Garro hit the game winning shot in overtime to bring home the bacon for his team.
The players are already looking forward to the next tournament which is the hoop it up three on three tournament which takes place on October 15 at the arts and recreation center once again. Only time will tell if the Blazetros will manage to come out on too once again or can the Gladiators exact revenge.
Most of Cayman’s top female basketball players came out to show their stuff and take part in what was for most of them, their first ever 3 on 3 competition locally.
They were pleasantly surprised at the new format of the FIBA three on three competition. The continuous, fast paced style of play, the intensity, and the level of competitiveness certainly made it an enjoyable experience with the players yearning for more. Throughout the intense battle the team called Bancha emerged victorious. Defeating the rival opponents Truly Infinity (Vicky Gray, Shantel Wilks and Lorrie Brown) by a score of 13 to 11.
The championship team Is comprised of Hannah Parchment’, Chloe Powery – Doxey and Guiesha Smith. The tournament is sponsored by the Cayman Islands Classic which would also be donating tickets to the games to the champs of each tournament.
All eyes are now set on the next competition – the Hoop It Up 3 on 3 Tournament which takes place on October 15th at the ARC once again! interested persons should visit the CIBA website at CaymanBasketball.com to register their team Before the deadline of October 14.
Step 1 – Click on the Register Here Button to go directly to the FIBA Registration Page
Step 2 – Click on the Blue “Register Team” Button
Step 3 – Scroll Down the page and Click on the “Register Team” Button next to the category you are entering. Then follow the instructions to complete your registration.
The first in a series of 3×3 Tournaments in October is coming up! Cash and other prizes are up for grabs! Not to mention bragging rights for the inaugural tournament sponsored by the Cayman Islands Classic! Registration Deadline is October 1st! Click here to learn more!
18 year old Arleny Ebanks is off to Baton Rouge Community College in Louisiana this summer.
The 6’3 center played just her first year in the National Women’s Basketball league when she joined the league’s runners up “Islanders” this season.
Ebanks began learning the game of Basketball recently in 2019. It was National Youth and Assistant Women’s Coach Cory McGee who saw huge potential and took the stellar rebounder under his wing and prepared her for battle in a little over a year.
Ebanks joined the Breakfast Club morning program where she improved her skill and knowledge of the game preparing her for the next 4 years of tertiary education. She’s also looking forward to giving back to the Cayman Islands National programs.
