A special kind of connection was forged on the court this past weekend as the Family Resource Centre, in partnership with the Cayman Islands Basketball Association, hosted the International Men’s Day 3×3 Basketball Tournament.
The event, hosted on 1 Nov., brought together fathers, sons, mentors and players of all ages for a day packed with friendly competition and deep community spirit, all in recognition of International Men’s Day.
The tournament featured three key divisions – 12 and under, 14 and under and an open division – each specifically designed to foster meaningful intergenerational connections through the love of basketball.
A unique and impactful rule required every open division team to field at least one youth player under the age of 16, ensuring that mentorship and teamwork between older and younger athletes were at the core of the competition.
In the 12 and under division final, The Magicians pulled off a final surprise at the buzzer to secure the championship title against the 345 Ballers.
The team’s victory was powered by the composure and skill of Rares Pomian, who earned the division’s Most Valuable Player award.
The 14 and under category, which saw nine teams competing, delivered one of the day’s most exciting finishes.
After an early pool play loss, The Thunder staged an impressive rally, advancing through the semi-finals to earn a spot in the championship game against the 345 Bandits led by Mason Miller.
Ultimately, The Thunder struck gold, driven by a strong performance from Jaden Coke, who was named MVP.
Beyond the main competition, this division featured a dynamic 3-point contest, where Phoenix Singh of Cayman Heat emerged victorious, just edging out Reagan Jakes in the final round.
The open division showcased 12 teams blending veteran experience and youthful energy, which were grouped into three preliminary zones before the top eight advanced to the quarterfinals.
The championship game pitted Think against The Chosen One in a tightly contested final. Think’s victory was sealed by Alex Thompson, who delivered a clutch, game-winning three-pointer.
Omar Gordon earned MVP honors for his consistent leadership and high-level play throughout the tournament for the open division.
‘Bringing our men and boys together’
Beyond the results, the true significance of the tournament was its success in highlighting the vital importance of positive male role models and intergenerational connection.
Judith Seymour, director of the Family Resource Centre, emphasised that the event’s impact transcended the sport.
“This event was about more than sport – it was about bringing our men and boys together in a positive, uplifting space where they could connect, support, and celebrate one another. The energy and teamwork we witnessed today truly reflect what International Men’s Day is all about,” Seymour said.
Collin Anglin, Cayman Islands Basketball Association president, echoed this sentiment, noting that basketball continues to serve as an invaluable bridge between generations.
“We’re proud to partner with the Family Resource Centre to use basketball as a tool for mentorship and connection,” Anglin said.
“The court brings people together in a special way, and today showed just how powerful sport can be in strengthening families and communities.”
