RISING STARS ARE BEQUIA 1ST DIV. BASKETBALL CHAMPS

Rising Stars of Paget Farm recorded their first victory in the top Division, as the Eighth Annual Bequia Basketball Tournament came to an exciting conclusion last weekend at the Clive Tannis Hard Court!

Warriaz took the Second Division title eclipsing Rising Stars II, and Hornets were the champs in the Under-16 Division overcoming Young Wizards.{{more}}

After an overtime one point victory in game one, fans came out in their numbers with great anticipation to witness the historic first Division clash Saturday night in the highly competitive series between Duke and Rising Stars.

The players were up to the challenge, providing crowd-pleasing entertainment for the fans, both teams displaying impressive dunks and blocks. Stars defeated two time champions Duke in two straight games. Craiglee Sam, of the victorious Paget Farm team was adjudged the series MVP and was also awarded overall First Division MVP, Rising Stars’ MVP, and had most rebounds and most points, having netted 201 points in nine games. He also scored the most points in the deciding game with 20.

Gosnel Gumbs contributed 17 points for Duke, while Otice Lewis added 14 points in Game Two, but they failed to take their team to victory. Gumbs was awarded MVP for Duke, while teammate Lewis had the most blocks with 17 in eight games.

Lindon Garrick of the Mustique Icon, and Cornelius Farrell of the 2005 champion Trade Winds East Blazers were both deemed Most Valuable Player for their respective teams. Former Champions, Mustique Icons and Blazers were knocked out in the semi final round.

Keithroy Lavia, also of East Blazers was adjudged the Most Improved Player and took the trophy for most steals.

Jason Lewis, whose team Westend Wizards finished in the cellar position was adjudged his team’s Most Valuable Player.

President of the Bequia Basketball Association, Sabrina Mitchell expressed her gratitude for the strong support of basketball in Bequia from the business places as well as the Bequia community. Mitchell praised the residents for their overwhelming support for their favourite teams. She noted the strength and unity of the executive committee in Bequia and the enthusiastic, competent, dedicated officials, referees, and employees of the Association whose commitment ensured a smooth functioning, financially sound, and highly efficient organization of the tournament.

Special mention was made of Executive members Annette King and Michael Peniston for taking a leading role in the development of the young players. With increasing numbers of young players adding to the reservoir every year, the future of the game on the island is secured.

The trophy and medal presentation took place Sunday. Fifty-five awards, medals and trophies were made to teams and individuals.

All individual awards were based on statistics, meticulously recorded in the games.

The Second Division title was decided in Game three. Derenzo Joseph was the Most Valuable Player for Warriaz Club. He steered his team to victory over Rising Stars 59 to 51. In awards presented for Division Two, Cregg Williams of Stars was adjudged his team’s MVP. He also had the most rebounds, most blocks and was the most improved player in his Division.

Although his team was eliminated in the semi final round, Cosmus Hackshaw of Gladiatorz was adjudged the Division’s Most Valuable Player. He also netted the most points: 186 in seven games, and had the most steals.

Jemuel Hutchins of Young Blazers whose team finished in the cellar position was awarded most steals trophy with his brother Jamal was adjudged the rookie of the year.

Teammate Kevin McDonald was that team’s MVP.

Leandra Jack was adjudged team Diamonds’ MVP and team mate Nakeata Ollivierre the rookie of the year Winners in the Under 16 Division.

Jason Ollivierre of Young Wizards was awarded team MVP and most steals. Fifteen year-old Damien Lewis dominated the awards in the young division. He had the most points, most blocks, most rebounds, was the MVP for the final series, that for his team’s and overall Division as well.