Tournament host Caymax Sports Ltd. has released the matchups for the third annual Cayman Islands Classic women’s basketball tournament.
Eight teams, announced last month, are set to battle it out on 28-29 Nov. at the John Gray High School gymnasium.
The line-up features Florida, Georgia Tech and Oklahoma State, all of whom made impressive runs in postseason tournaments last year, according to a press release issued by Cayman Islands Classic.
They are joined by Charlotte, George Washington, Memphis, Miami and St. John’s.
The tournament is divided into two divisions.
The Cayman Brac division will host Florida, Georgia Tech, Memphis and St. John’s.
Meanwhile, Charlotte, George Washington, Miami and Oklahoma State will face off in the Little Cayman division.
Women’s schedule
The action-packed schedule commences at 11am on 28 Nov. with Oklahoma State challenging Charlotte.
George Washington will then meet Miami at 1:30pm.
The evening session will kick off at 5pm with Georgia Tech taking on St. John’s, with Friday’s final game at 7:30pm between Memphis and Florida.
Saturday’s matchups begin at 11am with Miami meeting Oklahoma State, followed by Charlotte’s contest with George Washington at 1:30pm.
Florida will then face Georgia Tech at 5pm, leading into the tournament’s concluding game at 7:30pm, featuring St. John’s against Memphis.
Team highlights
Last season, Oklahoma State finished with a 25-7 record, earning a coveted spot in the NCAA Tournament and finishing at No. 22 in the final USA Today Sports Women’s Basketball Coaches Poll in coach Jacie Hoyt’s third season with the Cowgirl programme.
Georgia Tech, under coach Karen Blair, also secured a place in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, concluding their season with a 22-11 record.
Florida, under the leadership of fifth-year head coach Kelly Rae Finley, aims to build on their momentum from last season’s 19-win campaign, which saw them reach the semi-final round of the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament.
Joe Tartamella has steered St. John’s to five impressive 20-plus victory seasons during his tenure at the Big East Conference institution.
Tricia Cullop, a two-time past president of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association, enters her second year at the helm of Miami.
Ganiyat Adeduntan embarks on her first season as head coach for George Washington, a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference.
The line-up is completed by two American Athletic Conference teams: Charlotte under second-year coach Tomekia Reed, and Memphis, led by Alex Simmons who is entering her third season as coach.
Coaches on playing in the Cayman Classic
“We are excited to travel to such a beautiful destination and give our players an incredible experience both on and off the court. We are looking forward to competing against some of the country’s best talent from other conferences on a neutral court.” – Jacie Hoyt, head coach of Oklahoma State
“I have been fortunate enough to travel to the Cayman Islands previously and it is one of my all-time favorite destinations. We are greatly looking forward to the opportunity to play against strong competition and to be able to do so in such a great location.” – Tricia Cullop, head coach of Miami
“We are excited to compete in the Cayman Islands Classics. It’s a tremendous event that brings elite programs together in a beautiful setting. We are looking forward to this experience both on and off the court.” – Kelly Rae Finley, head coach of Florida
“The Cayman Islands Classic is an elite-level tournament and we are excited to be among the field of teams competing this year. Not only are we excited about the level of competition we will face, but the international tournament also provides a unique opportunity for our student-athletes to experience a different culture while playing the game they love. – Karen Blair, head coach of Georgia Tech
“The Cayman Islands tournament is an opportunity for our program to continue to elevate. We want to compete at a high level but also give our student athletes the chance to travel the world. This tournament will prepare us for March so we are excited to be included in this competitive group of programs.” – Alex Simmons, head coach of Memphis
“This is a terrific opportunity for our players and our program to have a special Thanksgiving together and play high level basketball. It will be a great experience for our team to continue to bond and grow.” – Joe Tartamella, head coach of St. John’s
“It will be a great opportunity for my team to compete at a high level on a neutral court, bond as a team, and enjoy some island sunshine. It’s a blessing to do what you love while in Paradise.” – Tomekia Reed, head coach of Charlotte
“This year’s field is full of competitive teams from top to bottom that will give us a real test before entering our conference schedule. Going to an event like this also gives our players an opportunity to be immersed in another culture, while also strengthening the relationships and bonds within our program by spending the Thanksgiving holiday together.” – Ganiyat Adeduntan, head coach of George Washington
The men’s division teams and game schedule were announced last month for the four teams scheduled to compete 23-25 Nov.
More details on the event can be found on the Cayman Classic website.
