Prospect Claims Girls Inter-Primary Basketball Title

By Flynn Bush

For the time being, we in the Cayman Islands do not have any opportunity to experience sports; either as a participant or as a spectator. The corona virus pandemic has caused all such events to be cancelled. However, just a short time because that decision was taken by the government, there was an important event of that nature.

On March 4th, at the JGHS gymnasium, teams from eleven different primary schools on island competed on the basketball court. At stake was the Girls Inter-Primary crown. This was an opportunity for the athletes to put the skills that they had garnered and honed during the regular season to use while playing in an all-day tournament. There was much excitement on hand.

The tournament was set up with the teams competing head-to-head in a format that sent the game winners on forward in the main bracket, while the losers of initial games were diverted to a consolation bracket. From the opening whistle of the first game, the action was intense. Then, the main contenders started to show their prowess. There was Cayman Prep “A”, Prospect, First Baptist, Savannah and St. Ignatius that initially showed signs of being contenders.

As the teams went through the rounds, the situation became more and more clear. In the winners’ bracket, the scene was being set for a showdown between First Baptist and Savannah in the semifinal round. That game proved to be epic with the score being tied after regulation and again after overtime. Then, the play continued with a sudden-death period which meant that the first team to score a basket would win. Defense reigned supreme at this time as numerous chances by each team were thwarted thus prolonging the game by an additional 15 minutes. In the end, it came down to a single point, a made free throw that sent First Baptist to the final.

Meanwhile, in the consolation bracket, Red Bay had booked a spot in the third place game (consolation final). Savannah then was to face them. That game proved to be a nail-biter as well as both teams fought fiercely. At the final whistle, it was Red Bay that had won.

Back in the main bracket, First Baptist faced Prospect in the final. These were two teams that throughout the day had faced tough challenges and had come through them all the more ready. This was to be an entertaining final, to say the least. The lead changed several times and, although it was a low scoring game, every second was exciting. As the metaphorical dust settled, team from Prospect Primary School had topped the contest. PPS was declared the 2020 Girls Inter-Primary Basketball Champions.

When the corona virus scare is over and life resumes, our young athletes will get the chance to display their skills and talents. Until then, let us all pray for God to bring our country through this crisis safely.