West Gunners crowned 2015 Save the Seed Basketball League Champions

November 9, 2015 by

By VINO

West Gunners new champions of 2015 Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League. Photo: Charlie Jackson / VINO

West Gunners new champions of 2015 Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League. Photo: Charlie Jackson / VINO

The West Gunners were crowned Champions of the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League on Saturday 7th November, 2015, completing a sweep of the Splash Brothers, 80-69, in game two at the Save the Seed Energy Centre.

Having been restricted to just five points in the third quarter, the Gunners again used a strong finish to overcome their opponents, this time a 27 point last quarter surge, despite Ray D. Victor having to sit out (fouled out), led by Gerard Vanterpool.

Vanterpool notched ten points in the final few minutes of the game after the score had been locked at 55-55 with just over eight minutes left. He finished with 14 points and five rebounds.

The first quarter ended 22-21 to the Brothers, with the packed venue being richly entertained, after they had recovered from an eight point hole to pull level at 17-17 in the final few seconds.

Ray D. Victor had a lengthy spell off court following a bang to the head, but on return he had to watch the East Division Champions pull ahead after Travis A. Isaac and Shamoii A. Dagou both scored. Samuel France then pulled it back to 22-21.
Isaac increased the lead to begin the second quarter, but Ray D. Victor’s “3” soon leveled matters and D’Moi M. Hodge and Rowan Victor put the Gunners up 28-24, before Ray D. Victor added two more and Hodge splashed from long range to make it 33-26.

The Brothers then went on a 10 -2 run to regain the lead, Hodge tied it up, Ray D. Victor put the Gunners ahead, Hodge netted a “3” and a “2”, Rowan scored again and Ray went 1/2 from the charity stripe to give the Gunners a half time lead of ten points at 48-38.

The Splash Brothers then staged another comeback, in the third quarter, scoring 8 points on the run to make it 48-46. Ray D. Victor scored the first points of the quarter for the Gunners, a “3”, with 6:32 left on the clock and with the Splash Brothers defense playing strong, Isaac scored on a twisting dribble and drive into the paint, JB C. Brodie leveled the game from the free throw line and the same player put the Brothers up 53-55 with 26 seconds left.

The fourth remained tight with the lead changing hands, until just like in the first game, the Gunners turned on the after burners and raced away into a 9 point lead with 7:31 left. The Brothers though fought back to within two with five minutes left, but even with Ray D. Victor fouling out they just could not stop the Gunners as Cameron and Hodge ensured the Trophy would belong to the West.

“That was the most difficult moment ever,” commented Victor on sitting out and having to watch the drama unfold. “We played great defense and stuck to West Gunners principles, never giving up.”

Championship MVP, Hodge, finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds, Ray D. Victor 19 and 7, Rowan Victor 14 and 8, adding 6 steals and 6 assists and Bjorn Caleb 10 rebounds.

“It feels great to win,” stated Rowan Victor. “We played with great unity, stuck together and came up with the win.”
The Splash Brothers were led by 18 points and 12 rebounds by Travis A. Isaac, JB C. Brodie added 17 with 18 rebounds, Shamoii A. Dagou 12, and Charlesworth Georges with 10 and 14.

All Star Game 2015
Earlier, the Save the Seed All Stars overcame the VG Summer Jam All Stars 66-60, led by 16 points from Steve E. Parillon, 14 from Dwayne M. Stoutt and 9 from Terique Wattley. Deangelo Sampson scored 16 for the VG team and Jkwan Frett 12, whilst Requan Fahie picked up 11 rebounds.

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West Gunners & Splash Brothers Reach Basketball League Final

November 3, 2015 by
Photo courtesy of VINO

Photo courtesy of VINO

By VINO

West Gunners have booted defending champions Bayside Blazers out of the 3rd edition of the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League and will be playing Splash Brothers in the League Championship.

The Gunners prevailed 97-80 in a hard fought game 2 to win the West Division Championship on Saturday October 31, 2015 at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom.

Splash Brothers won the Eastern Division Championship with a 80-74 points over Knights in game 2 also on Saturday.

Parillon comes big in losing effort

Faced with a revamped defensive tactical plan, the Gunners had cause for concern into the second half, but it would soon prove to be putting too much pressure on draft pick and former college player Steve E. Parillon to carry the Blazers offensively, especially once Dione M. Blyden went quiet.

Parillon opened the scoring with a 3-pointer and was hot all night until the final period, ending up with 27 points and 9 rebounds.

Bjorn Caleb notched 21 points with 16 rebounds, Ray D. Victor had 26 points with 7 assists, Rowan Victor finished with 15 points, 13 rebounds and 7 steals and Demoi Hodge 24 points, including 8 in a crucial final quarter after hitting 13 in the first period and only totaling 4 in the second and third periods.

Keenly contested first half

The first quarter had ended 29-24 to the Gunners with Hodge and Rowan Victor responding to the early lead taken by the Blazers, courtesy of Parillon and Blyden.

Blyden ended with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 6 steals. During one period the Gunners had been 7 points ahead but Sekayi J. Petersen soon reduced the gap to just 3, combining with Shaquille T. Fonseca on a series of scores before West Gunners hit back through Hodge, the Victor brothers and Caleb.

Sandy E. Nadal, who finished with just 5 points and little playing time throughout the game, notched a “3” to bring the Blazers a little way back into the game, but closing the gap seemed almost impossible for the Blazers who were always playing catch up.

Ray D. Victor went 2/2 from the free throw line, Jahmarli James rolled in another two and a big block by Caleb on Jamiez A. J. Stoutt seemed to knock the wind out of the Blazers early in the second quarter. However, Parillon battled away, splashed another long range effort and powered his way into the paint to score again, reducing the deficit to 5 points, where it stayed until just after half way through the quarter.

Then with 3 minutes remaining until half time, the difference was just one point.

Parillon missed both attempts from the free throw line which would have given the Blazers the lead. Petersen also missed a field goal attempt to do likewise, but Blyden made no mistake and scored to put the defending champs up 44-42, with a “3” and two minutes left on the clock. The Gunners leveled with 1:26 on the clock and the Victor brothers combined on an intercept to make it 46- 44. Petersen leveled it at 46-46. The Gunners responded with a field goal to make it 48-46, but the game Parillon notched another “3” to put his side up 49-48 at the half time whistle.

Gunners press on

The Gunners were soon back in front early in the third quarter, but the lead switched back and forth as no team was able to put a scoring streak together. It was all square with just over six minutes to play and another Parillon “3” made it 57-55 to the Blazers with 5:41 left.

Petersen added another score to equal the biggest lead for the Blazers since the first quarter and Shaquille Fonseca then gave them their biggest lead of the game, 4 points, which was extended to six points, before Caleb and Ray Victor reduced the gap to just 2 points with 2 minutes to play.

Parillon notched his fifth “3” to re-open the lead to five points at 64-59, but Ray Victor went 2/2 with free throws to make it 64-61 inside last 60 seconds. A Technical Foul saw Blyden make it 65-61, Ray Victor splashed a “3” to make it 65-64 and then the same player stole to score and the Gunners scored again after Lyle W. Duggins was caught in possession to reach the final break 69-65 ahead.

The Gunners were still ahead by four points after two minutes of the fourth quarter but then Blyden reduced it to a two point game. Hodge went 1/ 2 from the free throw line to make it a three point game. Rowan Victor netted 2/2 to make it 74-69 with 7 minutes left, Ray matched that to make it 76-79 and then Rowan stripped the ball from Blyden and scored to make it 78-69.

Fonseca made it a 7 point game from the free throw line, but Hodge responded with a driving run and scored and Caleb scored to make it 82-71 into the last five minutes of the game. Rowan Victor scored either side of another Parillon effort to make it 86-73, Fonseca made it 86-75, but Hodge, not to be outdone, increased the lead to 13 points with a field goal with just three minutes left.

Hodge then drew a foul as he scored to make it 90-75 with 2:22 left.

Goodbye Blazers!

Petersen added a two, but Ray D. Victor would have the last laugh as he scored again with the crowd on their feet, singing “good byeee” and it was all over.

Hodge and Parillon exchanged “3’s”  (Parillon’s 5th ), the final score, 97-80 and the rejoicing had begun, albeit only until next week, when the West Gunners face Splash Brothers for the 2015 Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed League Championship.

Western Division MVP, Ray D. Victor was quick to praise his team and the Blazers for a tough Divisional Championship series.

“It’s a great win and I feel extremely happy, but the journey is not over yet and the rejoicing will be short lived. The Blazers are a great team and they played a hard game. They are a smart team with smart coaches and their tactics tonight shocked us. They changed things around and made us think for the first couple of quarters. My brother Rowan was so aggressive and that’s the reason I wanted him to play for us, oh my gosh, he is our best player. Hodge was a little off tonight, but I told him to keep going and he came up big when it mattered at the end.”

Splash Brothers overcome Knights

In the Eastern Division Championship, Splash Brothers made a clean sweep of Knights by winning game 2, 80-74.

MVP Shamoii A. Dagou led the way with 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists while Charlesworth George knocked in 19 points, Ashfield Frett 17 with 16 rebounds and Travis Issac 15 with 13 rebounds.

Jevon K. Serrant had a game high 26 points for Knights.

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Bayside Blazers, Knights, West Gunners & Splash Brothers reach Division Championship

October 29, 2015 by
350x_d_DSC_0711

Photo courtesy of Charlie E Jackson/VINO

By VINO

The Knights will face the Splash Brothers in the Eastern Division Championship Series while defending champions Bayside Blazers will take on nemesis West Gunners in the Western Division Championship of the Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League.

All four teams completed sweeps in the first playoff round which ended on Sunday October 24, 2015 at the Save the Seed Energy Centre basketball court in Duff’s Bottom.

Knights crush New Heights

Reginald Penn and the Knights crushed New Heights 82-55 to secure passage into the Division Championship.

Penn finished with 20 points and 15 rebounds, Jevon K. Serrant notched 13 and Eustace ‘Boss’ Freeman 11 with 11 rebounds. Shakiim Freeman and Travis Phillips both scored 8 points, whilst for New Heights; Dudley Richardson scored 22 points with 9 rebounds, Terry Turnbull 10 and Kameron Young also 10.

No sweat for Splash Brothers

Splash Brothers completed their procession into the division series with a forfeit win in Game 2 after Talk Done failed to have the minimum amount of players ready for the start time.

West Gunners demolish Starz

The Western Division Championship Series is a mouth-watering matchup between the defending champions Bayside Blazers and fan favourites West Gunners.

The Gunners already handed the Blazers a drubbing in regular season and will be in a buoyant mood after sweeping the Starz to reach the Division Final, 109-50.

Jahmarli James hit 28 points, Bjorn Caleb 16 points with 15 rebounds, Gerard Vanterpool 16 with 9 rebounds and the Victor Brothers, Rowan and Ray, 13 with 5 rebounds.

For the shorthanded Starz, Dwayne Stoutt notched 33 points with 6 rebounds.

Blazers down Warriors

The Blazers had also made light work of their playoff opposition, sweeping the Warriors, with an 80-76 win in the second game.

Sekayi J. Petersen led the way with 21 points, 13 rebounds and 7 steals, Dione M. Blyden notched 17 with 8 assists and Steve E. Parillon 15 with 6 rebounds.

The Warriors top scorer was Juan Hatchett with 18 points and 10 rebounds, Terrique Wattley hit 14 and 7 rebounds, whilst Allison Leonard finished with 12 and Juron James 10.

The Division Championships tip off on Friday October 30, 2015 when at 7:00pm the Knights take on Splash Brothers, and then at 8:30pm West Gunners face Bayside Blazers.

On Saturday October 31, at 5:00 pm the Young Starz play Jr Avengers and then at 7:00 pm Bayside Blazers and West Gunners go head to head in Game 2. At 8:30pm, Splash Brothers and Knights will clash.

If necessary, the deciding games will take place on Sunday and organisers have reminded spectators that there are new charges in place at the door. New door fees took effect last Friday, October 23, 2015 and for the duration of the playoffs will be $5.00 adults and $2.00 for children 5 to 11.

For the championship weekend, adults will have to pay $7.00 and children 5 to 11- $3.00.

The platinum sponsors of the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League are Nagico Insurances BVI and Digicel BVI.

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West Gunners, Splash Brothers & Bayside Blazers go 1 up in playoffs

October 27, 2015 by

350x_i_IMG_3187By VINO

DUFF’ S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI- The big guns, West Gunners, Splash Brothers and defending champions Bayside Blazers, struck first blood when the playoffs of the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League got underway at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom on October 23, 2015.

West Gunners, through a 24- point and 16- rebound performance from Gerard Vanterpool and 23 from Jamarli James, defeated Starz 87-75 in the opening game of the evening.

Rowan Victor dropped in 19 points while Delvon Leonard grabbed 14 rebounds to ensure an opening win in the best of three playoff series.

Rudy Vanterpool (22 points) and Dwayne Scott (21 Points) were the leading scorers for the Starz who will be looking to rebound in Game 2 this evening, October 24, 2015.

Splash Brothers edge Talk Done

In the second game last evening, Splash Brothers narrowly overcame a battling Talk Done 66-64 with Shakoy Dagou leading the way with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Michael Benjamin and Travis Issac netted 13 and 12 respectively.

Enrico Harrigan, with 22 points and 14 rebounds, had an excellent game although ending up on the losing side. His team mates Clint West (19 points) and Jamoi Dore (10 points) also put up strong resistance against their more fancied opponents.

Bayside Blazers hold off Warriors

In the highly anticipated match up of the night, Bayside Blazers overcame Warriors 104-91.

The Blazers were led by a stellar performance from Dione M. Blyden who turned in a game high 26 points, 8 rebounds, 7 steals and 8 assists.

Sekayi Petersen had 16, Steve E. Parillon 13, Sandy E. Nadal 12 and Kyle L. Abraham 11.

For Warriors, Albert Hatchett scored 21 points, Juan Hatchett 20, Terique Wattley 15 and Joash Victor and Juron Jones 10 each.

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Shock defeat in Hon Julian Fraser Basketball League

October 13, 2015 by
Photo courtesy of Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Photo courtesy of Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

BY VINO

Led by 30 points from Demoi Hodge, West Gunners destroyed Bayside Blazers, 111-67, on Saturday October 10, 2015, when play in the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League continued at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom.

Rowan Victor opened up the game with a 6 point run for the Gunners, who brought a large and vociferous crowd with them to the gym.

By the end of the 1st quarter, Demoi Hodge had West Gunners spectators on their feet with a scoring sequence of his own, totaling 11 points including three “3’s”.

Ray D. Victor took control in the second period as the Gunners held on to their advantage, despite some excellent offense by the Blazers. A Victor to Victor move had the crowd leaping and jumping and further long range shots from Hodge raised the roof and put the score to 62-29 at the half time break.

A rout of epic proportions was now being celebrated by the West fans and they weren’t to be disappointed.

Rowan Victor and Hodge piled on the misery in the third quarter with the score reaching 75-40 and then 85-46. The Gunners reached 100 with 4 minutes left in the 4th quarter and with the fans relishing every point from the Gunners and booing each time the Blazers scored the game was done.

The loudest cheer didn’t come at the final whistle though, but rather when the Blazers accidentally tipped a rebound into their own basket and with the final score 111-67, that summed up their night perfectly.

Hodge added 8 rebounds, 6 steals and 5 assists to his night’s work, whilst Rowan Victor scored 20 points with 5 assists, Ray D. Victor 10 with 13 rebounds and 11 assists, Jamarli James 12 points and Delvon Leonard 10 points and 5 rebounds.

For the beaten Blazers, Frankly L. Penn Jr scored 18 points, but didn’t play in the second half, Dione M. Blyden could only manage 7, but added 8 rebounds and 8 assists, Sandy E. Nadal hit 16 points and pulled 8 rebounds and Kyle L. Abraham notched 8 points.

Spartans vs Starz

Earlier, the Spartans had an epic victory, 81-75, over the Starz.

Heading into the last quarter, the teams were exchanging scores at will and with 5 minutes remaining were tied at 65 apiece. The Spartans then took a slender lead into the last four minutes before a needless foul on Devorn Furlonge put the Starz level again.

Undeterred, the Spartans remained resolute and went on a 6-0 streak that put the game away.

Requan Fahie notched 26 points with 14 rebounds, Tyler Cameron 25 points with 15 rebounds, Lenroy Grant 8 points with 9 rebounds, and Hakeem Penn 8 with 5 steals.

For the Starz, Devorn Furlonge netted 28 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, Stephon Caul had 22 points and 10 rebounds and Tafari Winchester 15 points.

Z6ne 6 Ballers vs Splash Brothers

The first game of the resumed League had seen Z6ne 6 Ballers come from way behind to beat Splash Brothers 95-87.

As many as 18 points down deep into the game, the Ballers staged a remarkable fight back, the final one of many during the game to run out victors by 8 points, with 33 points from Nathaniel ‘Nat’ Malone and 28 points from Zanell Joseph. Deshawne Douglas had 13 points and 13 rebounds.

Splash Brothers were led by 25 points from Shamoii Dagou and 18 from Michael Benjamin. Ashfield Frett picked up 16 points and 10 rebounds and Charlesworth Georges 13 points and 7 rebounds.

Dagou was particularly lethal from behind the three point arc as Splash Brothers seemed headed to an easy win. Malone and Joseph, however, ‘took the bull by the horn’ to inspire an incredible Z6ne 6 Ballers comeback victory.

 

Filed Under: Basketball

Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League to resume 9th October

October 8, 2015 by
Photo courtesy of VINO

Photo courtesy of VINO

By VINO

Following a decision to halt play in the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League to address issues of serious concern, including indiscipline by players, the League will now resume play on Friday October 9, 2015 at the Save the Seed Energy Centre Basketball Court in Duff’s Bottom.

On September 27, 2015, in a statement issued to the media, the League Committee disclosed that all games in the League had been suspended until further notice.

However, the League dispatched an email to the media last evening, October 7, 2015 in which it announced that play would resume this weekend and also provided the fixture for Friday and Saturday’s games.

“We are pleased to announce the resumption of games in the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League, beginning Friday 9th October, 2015. For now we will start with the Senior Division…”

Young Stars play Pure Playaz from 7pm and Warriors take on Starz from 8:30pm in Friday evening’s double header.

Meanwhile, Co-founder of the League Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) confirmed to Virgin Islands News Online that play is resuming this weekend.

“We are confident that by game time Friday evening the Directors and the League’s Committee would have adequate measures in place to ensure the smooth running of the League to its conclusion of the 2015 season.

“It is indeed unfortunate that our fans, the teams, and our sponsors were forced to endure the temporary interruption of the games, however, we the Directors felt the pause was necessary in order for us to convince ourselves that everything was done to avoid any reoccurrence,” stated Hon Fraser.

Further, the email from the League stated that the Directors/Founders of the League Hon Julian Fraser RA and Bishop John I. Cline would like to meet with all team owners, managers, coaches, players, and referees at 5:30 PM on Friday October 9, 2015 at the Save the Seed Energy Centre Basketball Court.

See schedule of games below:

Friday October 9, 2015

7:00 PM Young Star vs Pure Playaz

8:30 PM Warriors vs Starz

Saturday October 10, 2015

6:30 PM Splash Brothers vs Z6ne 6 Ballers

8:00 PM   Spartans vs Starz

9:30 PM Bayside Blazers vs West Gunners

Sunday 11th October, 2015

NO GAMES- New Life Baptist Church Power Plus Service

Friday 16th October, 2015

No GAMES- last day of New Life Baptist Church Power Plus Service

Saturday October 17, 2015 GAMES RESUME

Filed Under: Basketball

BVI participate in Digicel Jumpstart Basketball programme in Trinidad

September 29, 2015 by
Photo courtesy of BVI Platinum

Photo courtesy of BVI Platinum

Digicel in partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA) have sent five young athletes to Trinidad to participate in the “Elite Camp” stage of the Digicel Jumpstart Basketball programme.  The five successful athletes selected are D’Moi Hodge, Ajai Frett, Malachy Payne of Elmore Stoutt High School, Cory Flax Solomon of St George’s Secondary and Omar Walker of the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies.

The clinic being held 26th-28th September, is run by NBA International Basketball Operations staff and focusing on player development, will bring together the top 40 players aged 16 years and under from across the Caribbean.  The top eight players from the Elite Camp as determined by an NBA coach and legend will have the opportunity to attend an NBA game in the U.S.

Filed Under: Basketball

Four teams hold fast in Save the Seed Basketball League

September 2, 2015 by

By VINO

Young Starz and Pure Playaz in action in the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League on August 30, 2015. Young Starz won 83-55. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Young Starz and Pure Playaz in action in the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League on August 30, 2015. Young Starz won 83-55. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Four teams still remain unbeaten in the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League following latest round of games at the Save the Seed Energy Centre Gym in Duff’s Bottom on August 30, 2015.

In the seven team Western Division, the defending champions Bayside Blazers made it 3 from 3 with a 108-77 blow out of Starz.

Soon to be off to school again, Frankly L. Penn Junior top scored for the Blazers with 23 points, 10 rebounds, 8 steals and 8 assists.

Shaquille T. Fonseca notched 20 points as he looked to get back to his best form and Sandy E. Nadal hit 14 points.

Kyle L. Abraham added 11 points and Dione M. Blyden made 11 points and grabbed 8 rebounds also for the Blazers.

For the Starz, Tafari Winchester notched 15 and Stephon Caul 14 with 12 rebounds. Phillip Glasgow scored 11 with 10 rebounds, Dwayne Stoutt 12 points and Jahmari Rivera 10.

The other unbeaten teams in the West are Run It Red and West Gunners.

In the eight-team Eastern Division, Splash Brothers are the only side yet to suffer defeat, after beating Talk Done, 73-65, on Saturday August 29, 2015.

Ashfield Frett scored 22 points with 10 rebounds, J B Brodie 13 with 11 rebounds and Shamoii Dagou 10 with 12 rebounds.

For Talk Done, Garve Vanterpool topped the scoring charts with 12, whilst both Clint Weston and Jamoi Dore scored 10 each.

Young Starz beat Pure Playaz, 83-55, in Sunday’s other game, mainly thanks to Jachoy Walwyn’s 21 points. Kaemoy Thomas added 16 and Malique Wattley grabbed 14 rebounds.

Daryl George scored 15 for the Playaz, who also got 13 points from Dante Wattley.

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Digicel/NBA Jump Start Basketball Programme underway in BVI

August 26, 2015 by

By VINO:

BVI youngsters go through drills at the Digicel/NBA Jump Start Basketball Programme at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on August 25, 2015. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

BVI youngsters go through drills at the Digicel/NBA Jump Start Basketball Programme at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on August 25, 2015. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Digicel and the National Basketball Association (NBA) joined forces on Tuesday August 25, 2015 to launch the Jump Start Basketball Programme that will be giving 40 boys from Tortola and Virgin Gorda a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase their talent and gain selection to an elite training camp in Trinidad and Tobago.

The clinic at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex is the first of six such events, all of which are aimed at 14-16 year olds and all of which will see five participants selected to represent their country at the five-day elite camp, from which the top eight players will be chosen by an NBA Legend, as well the coaches, to attend an NBA game in the USA.

The coaches who are here for the camp, Troy Justice and Robert Mackinnon, have extensive global experience within the NBA Organisation.

The coaches launched the clinic yesterday with an intensive warm up, including ball work, shooting and dribbling drills, that got the boys more than ready for a series of five versus five games that concluded the first day.

“It is an exciting opportunity for us as coaches to work with these 40 boys and I would like to thank Digicel and the NBA for making these clinics possible and for their support in growing the game of basketball,” commented Justice. “We are also implementing a programme that is just not for two days, but what we are providing is something that coaches and players can use throughout the year.”

Justice also stressed that the clinics were more than just about playing the game, but would also reinforce the importance of the values of the game such as sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline and work ethics. “These values that will impact you on the court will impact you in your life moving forward, so take the opportunity to learn as much as you can.”

Digicel Brand and Basketball Ambassador, Jason A. Edwin has spent the past month working with the BVI Basketball Federation to select the best 40 players. “The boys were selected on skills, passion for the game and drive to succeed and I’m confidant each of them will represent to the highest standard possible,” Edwin stated.

Tommy Farrell, Commercial and Finance Director for Digicel (BVI), was on hand during the day and expressed delight that the VI had been chosen as the first location for the Jump Start clinics.

“It is testament to the level of skill, ability and passion for basketball that exists in the territory,” said Farrell. “Already the coaches have mentioned that they have been very impressed with what they have seen and suggested a few of them have already shown they are worthy of scholarships. We are certain, that as these boys are coached and mentored by the elite NBA coaches, that this clinic will develop their skills, take their game to the next level and that the benefits of the clinics will reach far beyond these 40 boys, and the learnings of both players and coaches will live on for a long time to come.”

Not done with a hectic day of coaching, Justice and Mackinnon finished with an hour long session with the students of the Eslyn Henley Richez Learning Centre and after much excitement and no little talent; each boy was awarded NBA shirts and caps, along with a Digicel back pack.

The clinic concludes today, August 26, 2015 and those five selected to go to Trinidad will be announced at a closing ceremony.

The clinics will then move on to Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica, Bermuda and the Turks and Caicos, with the five-day camp in Trinidad and Tobago scheduled for September 23-28, 2015.

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2015 Save the Seed Basketball League underway

August 19, 2015 by

By VINO

A Z6ne 6 Ballers player goes unchallenged for a layup during the clash with Spartans on August 15, 2015. Photo: VINO

A Z6ne 6 Ballers player goes unchallenged for a layup during the clash with Spartans on August 15, 2015. Photo: VINO

The opening night of the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League on August 15, 2015 witnessed a full house of fans at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom.

Not only were they not disappointed with the two exciting opening games but they were showered with words of appreciation for their committed support to basketball in the Virgin Islands by founder of the League, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3).

Hon Fraser congratulated the fans, especially the loyal fans who he said come out every game night to support the players.

The League founder also said the tournament and facility offer a wonderful opportunity for families to come out and spend time together.

Recalling hearing the vision of Bishop John I. Cline for the Save the Seed Energy Centre a few years ago, Hon Fraser said he thought he should do everything possible to help make that vision come through and thus the collaboration between the two for the now growing League.

He also said he hopes this year’s League will be better than last year’s.

Meanwhile, appreciation was also extended to the League Committee headed by Chairman Mr Julian Willock and which includes Commissioner Rajah A. Smith and Assistant Commissioner Byron J. Hodge.

Hon Fraser also recognised the work of former Assistant Commissioner Mr Milton C. McLean.

He described the current League Committee as a talented and experienced one, especially now with the inclusion of Mr Hodge.

The other members of the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League Committee are: Gloria A. Mactavious, Secretary; Patricia Daway, Facilities Manager; David A. Abednego, Legal Counsel; Jacqueline Williams-Nathaniel, Treasurer; Walter D. Barrett, Security Coordinator and Sharlene S. David, Member.

The opening ceremony was highlighted with the presentation of the Digicel-sponsored championship rings to 2014 champions Bayside Blazers and the awarding of trophies to several junior and senior players as well as coaches.

Then there was the roll call of teams for the 2015 League where fans were able to see who are the faces for the various sides.

Meanwhile, West Gunners and New Heights started their campaign in the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed League with convincing wins when play continued at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom on Sunday August 16, 2015.

West Gunners, through a game high 30 points from Dmor Hodge and a heroic defensive display from Ray Victor, defeated Warrias 108-58.

In the second game of the evening, New Heights overcame Pure Playaz 98-72 despite a game high 32 from Ruben Reyes of Pure Playaz.

Leading the way for New Heights were D. Richardson (21 points), K. Young (19 points) and Dean Smith (19 points)

The 2015 League is thus far sponsored by Digicel (BVI), Nagico Insurances, Nanny Cay Hotel and Marina, First Caribbean International Bank, BVI Olympic Committee, National Bank of the Virgin Islands and Caribbean Insurances Ltd.

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