YAOUNDE (AfroBasket Women 2015) - Miesha Blackshear may not sound a traditional Cameroonian name, but the US-born has embraced the team's fight spirit at AfroBasket Women 2015.

And competitiveness has become highly significant for Alain Zedong's team.

As a naturalised player she may not be accustomed to local traditions and languages, but Cameroon fans continue to take notice of her perseverance in keeping the hosts of the tournament undefeated in the first three games.

Without a doubt, Blackshear's stellar moment with the Cameroon jersey, so far, came up when she blocked Fatoumata Bagayoko’s three-point attempt with a second remaining to give her team a 44-43 win over Mali in Day 2, sending an almost sellout crowd into frenzy as she got mobbed by teammates. 

Cameroon celebrate a close win over Mali in Day 2 at AfroBasket Women 2015

“I am Miesha Blackshear, am from Dallas, Texas. I play in Dallas, and am here in Cameroon now," she told to FIBA.com when asked to introduce herself.

Asked how she ended up representing Cameroon, the 1.68m energetic guard, replied with a wide smile.

“Lonlack," she said.

"My ‘sister’ Lonlack. Ramses Lonlack. We played together in Texas, and she invited me out here, and I came out here."

Blackshear, who has averaged 7 points and 2.3 rebounds in the first three games, knows Cameroon are among the title race frontrunners.

They have beaten Mozambique in Day 1, then got away with close win over Mali, and sealed a comprehensive win over Uganda.

So far, things are going according to plan for Cameroon, but  the 27-year-old also acknowledges that there is a long way to go as the winner of the tournament secures direct qualification for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

On the other hand, the teams that finish second and third will have a second chance by playing the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women next year.

“We just need to stay together, keep playing as a team and never give up," said Blackshear who last played for Dallas Diesel Club.

We are trying to play every game as a championship game - Blackshear

"That’s what we are trying to do, play every game as it was our last game.

“Olympics would be amazing to go to.

“[AfroBasket Women], it is different, and it means a lot though," she said about her first impressions of competing at AfroBasket Women.

"I am very honoured to be here. At the end of the day I just came to represent Cameroon the best way I can."

As most teams take day rest on Sunday, Cameroon resume their campaign at AfroBasket Women 2015 on Monday, facing Gabon.

FIBA