The Cayman Islands National Under-17 Boys Basketball Team completed a successful international debut at the Roatan International Invitational Tournament in Honduras, earning a third-place finish.
The Cayman squad faced a diverse field of eight competitors featuring programmes from Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico and the host island of Roatan, during the event held from 23–26 April.
Reflecting on the team’s overall performance, Amari Latham, Cayman’s team captain, said, “I think we played really well. We left everything on the court. Every possession, every hustle play; we played with heart. Finishing third hurts because we wanted more, but I’m proud of this team. This isn’t the end for us; it’s fuel. We’ll be back stronger.”
To get to third place, Latham said he believes the team’s biggest strength was “being our brother’s keeper”. He added, “Everyone had each other’s back, [and] we played like a team.”
As for lessons learned and areas for improvement as a team, Latham said, “I think we need to work on not being so easily defeated. Although we were no doubt the most talented team in the tournament, we were not as hungry as everyone else, and I think after this tournament it’s something we will for sure improve on.”
Head coach Jonathan Powery echoed Latham’s sentiments saying, “There were conditions that they were not used to playing in, so it was quite a challenge for them. However, they did very well with sticking together.
“There was harmony in the team. Everyone supported each other, and I think that reliance and support … is what helped us get as far as we did.”
Powery believes that the podium finish sets a foundation and is a “big deal” for the young squad “to go away internationally and to come back with silverware”.
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