U14 Brampton Warriors (Canada Girls): 2019 Jr. NBA International Champions
(named from L to R; starting top row)
Assistant Coach Emmanuel Amartey, Sumer Lee, Leia Brown, Jada Bediako, Milena Nenadic, Jhordane Prendergast, Hope Manglal-lan,
Head Coach Keith Johnson, Caidence Amartey, Anaya Johnson, Dwyane Wade, Tene Smith, Janae Brissett
If there wasn’t already enough to be said about the accomplishments of the U14 Brampton Girls Warriors. An undefeated 50-0 season W/L record; champions of the Rose League, OBLx, Ontario Cup, Durham City Cup and Jr. NBA Canada Regional and now, a berth that was earned to represent Canada at the Jr. NBA Global Championship in Orlando, Fl.
The team was relentless through International Pool Play with an average 26-point differential per game; a testament to their defense as they also averaged a whopping 28 steals (per game!). In addition, one of the games displayed the team’s balanced attack mentality as every member on the team scored. The world was put on notice as the team went 3-0 to begin the tournament and claimed the #1 seed in playoff bracket play. Social media outlets, group chats and message boards were singing the praises of the team, that was repeatedly mistaken for a “high school or college team.”
The International Bracket Playoffs saw a familiar style of play from the “Canada Girls”. Full-court man-to-man defensive pressure, ball movement to attack defensive gaps and big fights for rebounds off the glass. The team’s determined play was a nightmare for opponents as the only way to try to hang with the girls was to attempt to slow the tempo, which was consistently controlled by Canada’s style of offensive and defensive sets. As a nation and country, we were able to watch the Canada Girls best their competition game-after-game; with the most satisfying being a 70-54 win against Latin America awarding them as the 2019 Jr. NBA International Champions (which was presented by 3x NBA Champion and Hall of Famer, Dwyane Wade)!!!
With that win, the Canada girls earned their place in the Jr. NBA Global Championship Final against the Central Girls (US), a team of returning champions from 2018 on Sunday August 11th. A hard-fought battle of highly-skilled, up-tempo teams that brought grit to both sides of the court. Although the outcome wasn’t what Canada had its’ goals set on, there was an admiration beaming from Canadian eyes that were glued to their screens. Our ladies never gave up; they showed respect for themselves and their opponents and they fought until they were sure they saw zeroes appear on the game clock (and would have kept fighting if it wasn’t for the rules). A game was lost, but a group of U14 Canadian champions were being reborn once again.
On behalf of the City of Brampton, all of our members, executive team, sponsors and affiliates, the BMBA would like to congratulate the U14 Brampton Warriors players, coaching staff and parents for all of their dedication, drive, accomplishments and representation of our country. You displayed a maturity, confidence and commitment to each other that is well beyond your years; and serves as an example to all Canadians, young and old of what can be accomplished when you dedicate yourself to a passion like you have. We are proud, amazed and excited for all you have done and what is to come next!
CA-NA-DA… say what?
Braaammp-ton say what?
