– players call for continued growth

By Tyriq Walters

Guyana’s women’s team closed their most successful regional campaign in nearly 30 years on Sunday night, defeating Jamaica 83–74 to secure the silver medal at the FIBA Caribbean Women’s Championship at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Pushed by a loud home crowd, Guyana overturned a 35–34 halftime deficit and edged ahead 60–59 after three quarters before pulling away late. Ruth Adams led all scorers with 24 points, while Joy Brown added 23 and Amisha Ramlal chipped in with 11.

Jamaica was led by Tiffany Reynolds with 23 and Jessica Fairweather with 19.

Following the win, Brown said the team’s week-long performance reflected pride and commitment.

“It’s always been an honor to put on this jersey and represent this country. I’ve enjoyed my time with the Ramlal sisters and the whole team. Hopefully this programme keeps going,” she said,

The victory secured Guyana a place at next year’s CentroBasket Championship – a level the country has not reached in decades. Amisha Ramlal said qualifying was one of the team’s main objectives.

“We took it one game at a time. We wanted to qualify for CentroBasket, and we completed that. Now we work toward doing even better in the next tournament.”

Brown said the team’s response after Saturday’s loss was a sign of its growth.

“We had ups and downs, but we punched back today,” she pointed out.

Both players also praised the home crowd, describing the fan support as a major factor in the team’s run.

“They were our sixth man, we fed off their energy, and it meant everything,” Brown added,

In the earlier final, the U.S. Virgin Islands clinched the regional title with a perfect record after defeating the Bahamas 105–81.

Anisha George delivered a dominant double-double of 26 points and 21 rebounds.

Guyana’s silver medal marks its best CBC finish since winning the championship in 1996.