EL SALVADOR – Saint Joseph's rising junior forward Gabby Smalls won gold playing with Team Puerto Rico at the 2021 Centrobasket Women's Championship. Per the official press release, the tournament "showcased talent of all ages in Central America that will take on the rest of the Americas in June," when Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, and El Salvador will compete at the 2021 FIBA Women's AmeriCup.
 
Puerto Rico earned a 4-0 record to cruise to first place, defeating the U.S. Virgin Islands (73-69) on March 24, the Dominican Republic (99-90) on March 25, El Salvador (75-33) on March 26, and Costa Rica (79-39) on March 27.
 
Smalls lit up the latter half of competition, posting 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the field, four offensive rebounds, and one steal against El Salvador before battling for nine rebounds (five offensive) alongside six points and two assists against Costa Rica.
 
For the tournament, Smalls averaged 4.5 points per game and 3.5 rebounds per game in 10.5 minutes per game, shooting 46.7 percent (7-of-15) from the field alongside 14 total rebounds and two steals.
 
"I believe searching for success doesn't come from within, but it comes from finding the true passion for something you believe in," reflected Smalls of the opportunity.
 
The 2021 FIBA Women's AmeriCup is the main tournament for senior women's basketball national teams of the FIBA Americas and takes place every two years between national teams of the continents; it is also the qualifying tournament for the FIBA Women's World Cup and the Olympic Games.
 
Puerto Rico will host the upcoming tournament from June 11-19.