The Saint Lucia Basketball Federation is advancing preparations for the fifth edition of the FIBA 3×3 Americup, which will be held next month in León, Mexico.
The SLBF is hosting its second Cross Over Classic on Sunday, October 12, at 1 p.m. at the Micoud Community Court. Team Elite will hope to make it two from two after winning the first Cross Over Classic at the end of September, taking home prize money of $1,200.
Comprising the Soufriere Kings quartet of Clayton William, Jayzee Saltibus, Kymani Charles and Sidney Didier, Elite won in overtime over West Coast Warriors 19-18 on Sunday, September 28 at the Beausejour Gymnasium. Elite overcame a scare when they were defeated in their first game, 12-11, by the SLBF Select Team of Tristan James, Giovanni Antoine, Kyanni Elwin and Neil Joseph. The Warriors team consisted of Rayquan Francis, Kurshaun Edgar, Manasseh Didier, and Kezman Ferguson.
“The SLBF was satisfied with the increased participation from the teams as we saw six teams as opposed to four last tournament,” said Neil Joseph, the federation’s public relations officer, referring to last year’s competition. He noted, however, that the quality of the competition has improved with the introduction of a national development programme.
“The standard of play is a work in progress, as many players still lacked fitness in the shorter version of the game. But we were happy with the many who utilised the opportunity from the national 3×3 training setup to engage in active competition ahead of the final squad that represents Saint Lucia at the FIBA Americup to be held later this year in Mexico.”
The competition was absent some of the top local players, including the Louison brothers, Cletuson Leon and Ryan Philogene, due to injury and work commitments. Some of those who missed out last time say they are hopeful of participating in the next leg of the competition. Registration is open until Friday, October 10. The top team at the end of the series will represent Saint Lucia in Mexico.
FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup 2025 will take place from November 27to 30, the first time this landmark tournament will be hosted in Mexico. This fifth edition of the premier 3×3 basketball competition in the Americas will be held in downtown León, in front of the iconic Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús.
This stunning setting perfectly captures the city’s cultural heritage, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for the players and fans.
