The USVI's Senior Women National Team following their victory in San Salvador, El Salvador against the Dominican Republic Wednesday night, June 28, 2023. Photo: VI BASKETBALL FEDERATION.

Creating history with grit and determination, the [US] Virgin Islands women's basketball team secured a gold medal at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in El Salvador, outshining the Dominican Republic in an enthralling game, 76-72, on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. Photo: Virgin Islands Olympic Committee

Anisha George had an impressive 26 points and 10 rebounds, Imani Tate contributed 18 points, 9 rebounds, and Natalie Kleeman-Day dropped in 12 points and pulled 5 rebounds.

The road to victory

According to VI Consortium on June 29, 2023, the road to victory was not without challenges. The team faced a temporary setback with a loss to the 35th-ranked team during pool play, with a score of 96-84 in overtime. However, they showed their mettle by subsequently securing a victory against the 10th-ranked Puerto Rico squad, with a razor-thin margin of 61-60 in the semifinal contest.

The victory over Puerto Rico was particularly significant as it marked the first time the Virgin Islands had bested Puerto Rico since June 15, 1966, at the 10th Central American and Caribbean Games held in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Earlier in the tournament, the team triumphed over Centro Caribe with a score of 70-55, and Mexico with a score of 79-69.

The other members of the USVI team were Shomyra Francis, November Morton, Kadasha Barry, Kaya Evans, Naja Ngongba, Lanese Bough, J-Naya Ephraim, and Keshara Romain.