Dominican Republic wins double gold in 3x3 basketball at JCC Games

The Dominican Republic achieved a significant success in 3x3 basketball at the Central American and Caribbean Games, clinching gold medals in both the men's and women's categories. This marks a notable improvement from the bronze medals won in the previous edition held in El Salvador.

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The Dominican Republic achieved a double gold in 3x3 basketball at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games.

The women's team dominated Venezuela with a 21-11 victory. Veteran players Esmery Martínez and Cesarina Capellán were instrumental, each scoring seven points. María de la Rosa contributed four points, and Yadira Polanco added three.

Following the women's triumph, the men's team secured their gold medal in an intense match against Puerto Rico, winning 18-16. Rayner Moquete, a specialist in the 3x3 format, led the offense with eight points, supported by Shamil Ballas with six and Gerardo Suero with four.

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An considerable improvement, after winning bronze in both categories four years ago in El Salvador.

Notably, Gerardo Suero made history by becoming the first athlete to win gold medals in both the 5x5 and 3x3 basketball events at the regional games, having also won gold in 5x5 in San Salvador earlier in 2023. The path to the finals saw the Dominican women defeat Mexico 21-7, while the men faced a tough challenge against Guatemala, winning 18-17 in regulation time.

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The veteran Esmery Martínez and Cesarina Capellán led the triumph with seven points each, followed by María de la Rosa (4) and Yadira Polanco (3).

Basketball has become the first team sport to deliver the highest value medal for the Dominican representation at the games, which are scheduled to continue until Sunday. This is the second time the 3x3 modality has been featured in the regional competition, having debuted in San Salvador in 2023.

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Rayner Moquete, a specialist in this modality, led the offense with eight points, followed by Shamil Ballas (6) and Gerardo Suero (4).