The V.I. Senior Women National Team following their victory in San Salvador, El Salvador against the Dominican Republic Wednesday night. Photo Credit: THE V.I. BASKETBALL FEDERATION.
The V.I. Basketball Federation has planned a grand welcome reception for the triumphant V.I. Senior Women National Team. The event is set to take place on tonight at 9:00 p.m. at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport.
The celebration follows their astounding achievement of winning the gold medal in women's basketball at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games held in San Salvador, El Salvador Wednesday night. The team showcased a performance like never before, bringing pride and glory to the Virgin Islands.
The team was guided by the expert hands of St. Croix-born coaches Tajama Abraham-Ngongba and Clint Williams. Alongside them, LaReina Robinson and Jalani Horton provided exceptional support as staff.
The Virgin Islands' team (4-1) clinched the gold after defeating the Dominican Republic (4-0) 76-72 in a thrilling final game, according to information provided to the Consortium by the federation. Standout performances included Anisha George's impressive 26 points and 10 rebounds, Imani Tate's contribution of 18 points, 9 rebounds, and Natalie Kleeman-Day's 12 points and 5 rebounds.
The road to victory was not without challenges. The team faced a temporary setback with a loss to the 35th ranked team during pool play, with a score of 96-84 in overtime. However, they showed their mettle by subsequently securing a victory against the 10th ranked Puerto Rico squad, with a razor-thin margin of 61-60 in the semifinal contest.
The victory over Puerto Rico was particularly significant as it marked the first time the Virgin Islands had bested Puerto Rico since June 15, 1966, at the 10th Central American and Caribbean Games held in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Earlier in the tournament, the team triumphed over Centro Caribe with a score of 70-55, and Mexico with a score of 79-69.
The federation extend special thanks to sponsors: the Virgin Islands Olympic Committee, Sports, Parks and Recreation, Virgin Islands Lottery, Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, Jerome Tang, and Jareem Dowling for their unwavering support and faith in the team.
Members of the women's basketball team include , led by players Lanese Bough, Kadasha Barry, Anisha George, Shomyra Francis, Imani Tate, Kaya Evans, Keshara Romain, Natalie Kleeman-Day, J-Naya Ephraim, November Morton, and Naja Ngongba.
This monumental victory marked the first time that the USVI basketball team, either men or women, has secured gold in the CAC games, thus carving a significant niche in the nation's sporting history.
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