Bequia B'ball tourney concludes

Duke defend Championship title! Rising Stars II and Hornets emerge Divion 2 and Under 16 Champions as Bequia Basketball 2010 tourney concludes!

Duke, Rising Stars II and Hornets emerge 2010 Champions of the Bequia Basketball Competition in their respective divisions. Gold and silver medals, awards and trophies were presented last Saturday night following the games, as an impressive crowd of fans gathered to witness another successful conclusion to the annual tournament, that has become a fixture in the summer calendar for Bequians, and now running twelve years in succession!

Defeating East Blazers 91 to 84 in an exciting game two, Duke Coach Seneca McIntosh convincingly defended his 2009 title as Division 1 Champions winning two games to none in the best of three! Mustique Icon, while finishing second in the first round of competition were knocked out by East Blazers by one point in the semi finals, thus eliminating them from the final round. Bequia Tech Rising Stars finished a disappointing 4th place, while Warriaz placed 5th and Gladiatorz finished in the cellar position. Jonas King clearly dominated the first division, being adjudged the tournament MVP, the MVP of the three game final series, team Duke’s MVP, and finally, capturing the most points award, netting 219 in 10 games! Team mate Keithroy Lavia contributed to Duke’s success with the Most Assists award, 25 in 10 games. The Final best of three series were officiated with the new three- man rotation of referees, using three referees instead of two, a first for Bequia.

SECOND DIVISION victors Rising Stars II of Paget Farm and their rising star, feisty shooting guard Nyron Boucher, crushed defending champions Young Blazers, also in two games. The victory was sweet for the Paget Farm boys, having gone down to defeat in 2009 to rivals Young Blazers. This year, the Rising Stars II took their revenge beating Young Blazers in two decisive games. Boucher was recognized by the Executive Committee for his stellar performance, and awarded the Second Division overall most valuable player, final series mvp, Rising Stars II mvp, and the most points with 130 in 6 games. Rising Stars II is now coached by Rex Pollard. Other winners in the Second Division were Xavier Cunnningham, also of the Stars II club who had the most rebounds with 115 in 6 games; Miguel McKree who was adjudged the Young Blazers most valuable player and Jamal Hutchins, also of Young Blazers had the most assists,with 18 in 6 games.

Team Hornets and Coach Michael Peniston took the Under 16 title defeating Young Wizards in 2 games. The talented 15 year old Delwin Simmons dominated the young contingent of future Bequia ballers and was named Under 16 Overall MVP, Hornets MVP, Final series MVP, netted most points, most rebounds and most blocks in the competition with 37, 30 and 5 respectively. Young Jadeja Hutchins was awarded the most improved player, and received the most assists, 6 and most steals, 16. Young Wizards finished second with Lenroy Lavia being adjudged his team’s MVP.

General Secretary, Solana Gooding addressed the players and patrons expressing thanks on behalf of the Executive Committee to the many persons actively involved in Bequia basketball in various capacities, and who are responsible for the collective success and smooth operation of the game and the 12th Annual Tournament. She also thanked the sponsors whose financial and moral support is invaluable. She singled out the hard working officials, in particular Games Secretary Cornelius Farrell whose management of the tournament was impeccable.

Other winners in the First Division were Keon Mcfee of East Blazers with most steals contributing 32 to his team in 10 games; while Warriaz MVP Derenzo Joseph and rookie team mate Keon Skinner had the most rebounds, 127 and blocks, 17 respectively, despite their team finishing in 5th place. Skinner was also adjudged the Rookie of the year making his debut in 2010. Mustique Icon’s Gemey Richardson was his team’s strongest, while Keylon Edwards of Second Place East Blazers was recognized for his outstanding efforts. Bequia Tech’s Danroy Bess was awarded his team’s MVP. And last but not least Gladiatorz Cosmus Hackshaw gave his best effort and was adjudged the last place team’s most valuable player.

Second Division awardees included Garret Edwards of Young Duke and Orando Blugh of Wizards who got their team mvp awards for their contributions. Xavier Cunningham of Champion Rising Stars II had the most rebounds with 115 in 6 games and Marco Brown of Young Duke who had the most steals with 35 in 6 games. Jefferson Goodluck was named the most improved player in Division 2.

The Bequia tournament, which runs faithfully every July and August at the Clive Tannis Hard Court is now in its 12th season. The competition concluded on schedule as the summer holidays draw to a close as parents and students alike begin to focus on the school year ahead. Known for low tolerance for ill discipline, the 12th annual competition boasted of not a single disciplinary issue during its eight weeks of competition. With strict adherence to the Tournament By-Laws and FIBA rules, St. Vincent & the Grenadines lone FIBA certified Referee Shem Ollivierre diligently trained the competition’s officials, and maintained a high standard, which no doubt contributed to the high level of sportsmanship in the competition. Ollivierre recently returned from officiating in the Centro Basket Women’s competition and Central American and Caribbean Games held in Puerto Rico in July.