Joy Adams, Ramlall sisters headline Guyana’s roster for Basketball Classic against Suriname

Professional basketball star Joy Adams and the highly touted Ramlall sisters- Amisha, Ashna and Arshia- have been named in Coach Willon Cameron’s final roster for the highly anticipated Georgetown Women’s Basketball Classic against Suriname, scheduled for August 10-11 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The international match-up, hosted by the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF), is being seen as a major step in revitalising women’s basketball in Guyana and across the region.

According to GBF president Michael Singh, the event marks the tip-off of Guyana’s commitment to returning to the regional court in a big way.

“This series is extremely important for the growth of women’s basketball in Guyana,” Singh said.

“We recently met with President Irfaan Ali, who has pledged full support as we look to bounce the women’s programme back into action.”

Making her long-awaited debut on home court, Adams, who hails from Amelia’s Ward, Linden, has played professionally in Europe, is no stranger to international basketball.

She previously suited up for Guyana at the inaugural FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup in Miami, where she delivered an impressive performance. However, this will mark her first time representing Guyana in the traditional 5-on-5 format.

Equally exciting for fans will be the debut of the Ramlall sisters, all standout players at Rosemount High School in Minnesota, USA. Their inclusion brings international flair and youthful energy to the roster.

“I’m excited to finally see Joy Adams suit up in Guyana…it’s long overdue,” Singh added.

“And having the Ramlall sisters join the squad is something special. They are the future of Guyanese basketball.”

According to Singh, “This series will be a great test to see how well the girls gel as a unit. It’s the first of many international engagements for our women, and we’re setting the tone right here at home.”

Coach Cameron, who also leads the Colts Basketball Club, has assembled a mix of experience and emerging local talent.

Meanwhile, locally, Coach Cameron shortlisted Jamaicy Ogle, Keisha Copperfield, Shanill James,

Lanasha Mohammed (Kwakwani), Malia Samuels (Kwakwani), Sherese Leacock (Kwakwani), Natalya Clarke (Kwakwani), Akeelah Campbell (Linden), Junelly Paddy (Berbice), Ronaya Grant, Brean Ritchie, Kean Andrews and Rehaicia Romain (Linden).

Cameron’s assistant coach will be Alisande Jaiserrisingh, who recently represented Guyana at the FIBA Americas Adelante Forum. Warren Wilson, head coach of the University of Guyana Trojans, will serve as the team’s manager.

“I’m eager to see how our senior women stack up against Suriname. This is a great opportunity to test our competitive level and start building chemistry as we look ahead to more international competition,” Coach Cameron said.

The GBF, in a release, said the Georgetown Women’s Classic promises two action-packed days of hoops and high expectations, as Guyana’s women aim to make a statement on their home court.