As the 22nd Jean Pierre Youth Netball Tournament unfolds in Trinidad and Tobago, the Cayman Islands under-16 national team is finding its rhythm on the regional stage.
Named in honour of the legendary Trinidadian netballer Jean Pierre, the tournament serves as a vital developmental opportunity for young athletes.
Under the guidance of head coach Bryan Green and assistant coach Milton Clarke, Cayman’s roster of 14 players – who began training last September – are gaining invaluable experience against some of the Caribbean’s most seasoned youth programmes.
The Cayman squad, led by team captain DaNiqua Howell and co-captain Yasmin Elliot, opened their campaign on Saturday, 11 April with a tough 41-8 loss against the defending champions, Trinidad and Tobago.
However, they demonstrated their resilience the following day, securing a 20-16 victory over Antigua and Barbuda.
The Cayman side fell 40–13 to Saint Lucia on 13 April, followed by a 42–17 defeat against Barbados on 14 April and a narrow lost to Dominica on 15 April after a final score of 24-22.
With the tournament running through 18 April, Cayman will return to the court on Friday, 17 April for their final game against Grenada.
Exposure to higher level competition
Faith Crooks, president of the Cayman Islands Netball Association, expressed immense pride in the team’s presence at the tournament thus far.
“I hope to use the tournament as an excellent opportunity to expose our players to a higher level of competition. They are in a CARIFTA like setting with the other teams, umpiring is at a higher level, and the host country has included inspirational and motivational activities in the schedule,” Crooks said.
“Playing against more experienced Caribbean players is a key driver for the growth and development of our Cayman Islands under-16 players,” she added.
The remaining Cayman player roster comprises of Asanya Lewis, Carrianne Lavine, Charlotte Powell, Dejanae Pallas, Elsa Ebanks, Florence Spencer, Lei’a Grizzel, Leila Turrell, Mila Vidas, Sierah Frederick, Sierra Smith, and Xachy Flores Eden.
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