Vernon’s Cassandra Brown leads Canada to a 3×3 basketball win in France, earning a spot in the FIBA Women’s Series Finals in Shanghai this September.
Victory in Bordeaux
Team Canada’s women’s 3×3 squad, featuring Vernon native Cassandra Brown, clinched the latest stop of the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series in Bordeaux, France. The Canadians defeated Austria 18–12 in the championship final, marking their second straight tournament win after triumphing in Edmonton.
Key Performances on Court
The team dominated throughout the tournament, cruising past Uganda and Austria in pool play before overpowering Mongolia in the quarterfinals and outlasting the United States in the semifinal. Saicha Grant-Allen was named tournament MVP, leading all players with 28 points, while Brown and Paige Crozon each added 27. Katherine Plouffe anchored the playmaking with a tournament-high 14 assists.
Local Star’s First Title of the Season
For Brown, 33, the Bordeaux title carried special meaning. “I’ve come close this year—second in Amsterdam and third at the World Cup—but this is my first title,” she said. Brown also brought home a symbolic prize: a bottle of Bordeaux wine presented to the champions.
Canada’s Rising Global Standing
With consistent podium finishes across international stops, Canada now ranks No. 4 in the world in women’s 3×3 basketball. This latest win guarantees a place in the FIBA Women’s Series Finals, scheduled for September 13–14 in Shanghai, China. The team has built momentum with top-three results in nearly every tournament this year.
Why the Win Matters
Canada’s success highlights the country’s growing strength in the fast-paced 3×3 format, a game that has gained global popularity since debuting at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The team’s performance also strengthens Canada Basketball’s long-term positioning as a contender for future world and Olympic medals.
What Comes Next for Brown
After the finals in China, Brown will head to Japan, where she has signed to play five-on-five basketball with Chanson V-Magic in the Women’s Pro League. The season begins in October and runs through April in Shizuoka, a city near Mount Fuji. Having previously played professionally in Australia and New Zealand, Brown says she is eager for the next challenge.
This article is original and written specifically for Surreyspeak.com
