Cayman Islands impress with third-place finish on debut at Roatan Invitational

The Cayman Islands U17 Boys National Team made a strong first impression on the international stage, securing a third-place finish at the Roatan International Invitational Tournament held April 23-26 on the Honduran island. The eight-team tournament featured youth programs from Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, Roatan, and the Cayman Islands, providing a high-level regional showcase for U17 talent across Central America and the Caribbean. In their inaugural appearance, coach's Cayman squad battled through a competitive field with performances defined by disciplined play, strong fundamentals, and composure beyond their experience level.
Captain Amari Latham reflected on the tournament with a mix of pride and hunger. "We played really well. We left everything on the court every possession, every hustle play, we played with heart," Latham said. "Finishing third hurts because we wanted more, but I'm proud of this team. This isn't the end for us it's fuel."
The Cayman Islands Basketball Association (CIBA) praised the players, coaching staff, and support team for representing the country with professionalism, while thanking major sponsor Vistra and other partners for making the trip possible.
The third-place finish marks a milestone for Cayman Islands youth basketball, which continues to develop under CIBA's national program. With this group gaining valuable international experience against established Central American programs, the future looks promising for the Caribbean nation's basketball pipeline.