Katherine Plouffe and the Canadian women's 3x3 basketball team claimed gold at the FIBA AmeriCup on Sunday. Plouffe was also photographed at the Paris Olympics in August, showcasing her incredible talent on the international stage. (Photo credit: AFP via Getty Images)
In a nail-biting final at the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Canada’s women’s team defeated the United States 19-18 in overtime to claim the gold medal. Edmonton’s Katherine Plouffe emerged as the hero, scoring 11 points, including the decisive basket that sealed Canada’s victory. The win capped an undefeated run for the team, consisting of Paige Crozon from Humboldt, Saskatchewan; Saicha Patrica Grant-Allen from Hamilton, Ontario; and Kacie Bosch from Lethbridge, Alberta.
The journey to the championship wasn’t without challenges. The Canadian women showcased their dominance by beating Cuba in the quarterfinals and overcoming a strong Brazilian team in the semifinals. Each match highlighted their resilience and teamwork, culminating in their historic triumph over the defending champions, the U.S., in an intense overtime showdown.
While the women’s team celebrated their golden moment, the Canadian men’s 3x3 team also brought home hardware, securing a bronze medal. In a strong performance against the Dominican Republic, they achieved a convincing 21-16 win. The team featured Steve Sir from Edmonton, Jerome Desrosiers from Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Marek Klassen from Vancouver, and Grant Audu.
The dual podium finishes reflect the growing prowess of Canada in 3x3 basketball, a fast-paced, physically demanding format of the sport. Both teams demonstrated skill, determination, and a passion for representing their country on the international stage.
