Basketball: gold medal for the girls

On 13 September, the senior women’s 3x3 basketball team won the ‘Her Way’ tournament in Curaçao, organised by Paul Bell, a native of Sint Maarten, who is keen to develop women’s basketball in the Caribbean.
Comprising Robin Ritsema, Lou Mataly, Emma Doolaeghe and Faye Vas, the Sint Maarten team enjoyed a flawless run. Facing Anguilla and two teams from Curaçao, the four players won all three of their matches before triumphing in the final against a local side.
Xtreme is the only 3x3 team in Saint Martin. Affiliated with RCM Ballers, the team is unique in that it brings together players from both parts of the island. Formed just last year, they finished second in the Dominican Republic in March, before beating the Saint-Barthélemy team in a home tournament, and the girls have no intention of stopping there. Their aim is to play as many matches as possible to earn points that will open the door to international tournaments. Their next fixture is in Martinique in December. The team currently has around ten players and is looking for new recruits and sponsors. Training sessions take place every Wednesday at the Sports Hall in Marigot and on Fridays at Friar’s Bay.