Vernon, B.C. woman leads Team Canada to gold

Published 5:05 pm Monday, November 2, 2026 By Jennifer Smith/Vernon Morning Star Team Canada collected gold and silver this weekend with a local lady leading the charge. The country’s 3×3 National Teams made history at the FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup 2026, with the women returning to the top of the podium following a victory over the United States, while the men captured their first-ever silver medal in El Salvador Nov.

1. The women opened the third day of competition with a 21-6 victory over host El Salvador. Vernon’s Cassandra Brown led the way with nine points and six rebounds, while Michelle Plouffe added eight points and eight rebounds in her return to the AmeriCup stage.

The Canadians carried the momentum into their second game, defeating Venezuela 21-7. Paige Crozon led the scoring with seven points and added four rebounds. Canada finished atop Pool A with a perfect 2-0 record to advance to the knockout stage.

“We’re the number one seeds, so we definitely want to take home the gold,” said Brown ahead of the tournament. “We obviously have a new team on this one, so [we’re] building off of that, incorporating some new things and learning how to play together.” That growing chemistry was on full display in the playoffs, as Canada defeated Chile 18-10 in the quarter-finals before cruising past Colombia 21-11 in the semifinals.

After briefly trailing in the opening minute of the final, Canada took control and never looked back. The Canadians maintained their lead throughout the remainder of the contest, with Crozon delivering the game-winning basket to secure a decisive 21-12 victory and Canada’s return to the top of the podium.

“It was super fun to come out here with my teammates and give it our everything and play for something bigger than ourselves,” said Plouffe. Facing the United States in the men’s gold medal game, Canada battled to overcome America. A mid-game surge brought the Canadians within three points, but the United States held on for a 21-15 victory.

Despite falling short of gold, Canada secured a historic silver medal, marking the best finish in the men’s program’s FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup history. “It feels awesome winning silver, making history. But we have a bigger goal.

We’re trying to go to LA 2028 and medal in LA 2028,” said Jérôme Desrosiers. “With the support of the country and all our families, it’s been really helpful, but we know we’re capable of way more.” With two medals, a gold medal title and several individual honours, Canada closed out the FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup 2026 with a historic showing, reinforcing the continued growth of its 3×3 programs as both teams look ahead to the road to Los Angeles 2028.

– with files from Canada Basketball