Bequia Basketball Tourney opens

The Bequia Basketball Annual Tournament opened in grand style on Saturday, July 12th, at the Clive Tannis Hard Court, with the parade of 12 teams. The GeoTech Golden Eagles Basketball Club, of Antigua and Barbuda, travelled to Bequia in commemoration of the ten-year milestone, and took part in two exhibition matches against Bequia All-Stars and SVG Playaz.{{more}}

Following a steel pan rendition of the National Anthem, played by 11- year-old Ondine Mitchell Sutton, President of the Association, Sabrina Mitchell, extended a warm welcome to the Antigua team, and thanked them for coming to “our little rock”.

She congratulated the membership of the Bequia Association for the notable achievement of ten years, having clearly developed a successful model and structure, and proving its competence over the past ten years. Credit for the growth and success of Bequia Basketball can be attributed to the collective efforts of the entire basketball fraternity in Bequia, and an organization that believes in setting small goals every year. She expressed thanks to the fans for their continued support and indicated that the BBA will be giving out special tenth anniversary souvenir Bequia Basketball wristbands to the fans for the duration of the Tournament, as a token of appreciation.

Parliamentary Representative for the Northern Grenadines, Dr. Godwin Friday, also gave an address. He spoke of the significance of any organization being able to boast of achieving ten years, and wished the players the best of luck and reminded them of the importance of good sportsmanship.

Nelson Hillocks, Director of Sports, also spoke. Hillocks said that his Ministry was completely satisfied with the work being done by the Bequia Basketball Association. He urged the fans and players to support the Executive committee and to always respect the officials. President of the Antigua and Barbuda Basketball Federation, Daryll Matthew, thanked the Bequia Association for the invitation to be included at the auspicious event and congratulated the Bequia Association on their tremendous achievement.

He urged the business community to support sports as it gives our young people an alternative to drugs, alcohol and idleness. Immediately following the ceremony, the Rising Stars Club was adjudged the Best Dressed team and was awarded a “basketball” cake for their prize. The Antigua players were each presented with SVG souvenir gifts – courtesy the BBA, presented by General Secretary Solana Gooding.

The feature game of the evening saw the Bequia All-Stars going down to the Golden Eagles of Antigua, 85 to 59. Antigua’s Marlon Charles netted 50 points, while Otice Lewis, of the Bequia team, contributed 15.

On Sunday, the Antigua team engaged Playaz and was defeated 78 to 73. Charles also netted the most points for his team, 37, with Kendol Pinder, of Playaz, contributing 15 points.

Two other games also took place on the weekend, defending Second Division champs Gladiatorz defeated Warriaz 68 to 34, and First Division champions Duke went down to Rising Stars, 64 to 59.