Digicel Grenadines Basketball bounces off
The Digicel Grenadines Basketball Championship bounced off this past weekend at the Canouan Hard Court on Friday November 6th to hundreds of patrons enjoying high energy basketball, from the elite players of the Grenadines!
The gruelling 16 day competition runs from November 6th to 21st in three venues; the hard courts of Bequia, Canouan and Union Island, culminating with the Finals and trophy presentation in Bequia on Nov 21st.
This year, four teams have entered the competition: Bequia All-Stars, Canouan Islanders, Mayreau Kings and defending champions Union Island All-Stars. The Tournament is co-ordinated by Sabrina Mitchell of Bequia Basketball, with Rohan Henry of CanouanBasketball and Roseman Adams of the Southern Grenadines Association. Digicel leads the way as title sponsor with supporting sponsors John Clark, Wind n Sea Ltd., Masa Emergency Services, Canouan Resorts, CCA, Tamarind Beach Hotel, Frangipani Hotel, Jaden Sun, and numerous small donors who give in kind.
The official opening and march past took place on Saturday night November 7th. Following the National anthem, Digicel Representative Stacey McGuire spoke, expressing her pride for Digicel to be associated with the development of sports in the Grenadines. She offered inspiring remarks to the players encouraging them to play as a team. She reinforced that Digicel looks forward to continuing the partnership with basketball and reminded everyone that the company provides full service in the Grenadines. Mr. Rohan Henry, President of the Canouan BasketballAssociation also spoke, expressing his pleasure for the tournament to open in Canouan, especially with the newly refurshied court, and strong level of support of patrons in Canoaun who love basketball. He thanked all who got the hard court ready for the event. Sabrina Mitchell, President of Bequia Basketball, also Sports Ambassador also gave remarks, congratulating each team on participating, especially Mayreau, who are a small island, but whose participation is important to the quality of the tournament. She thanked Canouan for stepping up to hosting the opening and for the excellent work done by Mr. Rohan Henry over the years. She expressed her thanks to Digicel for the three year sponsorship and to Mr. John Clark, and all the other tournament sponsors whose contributions are crucial. She encouraged the islands to work on developing the technical aspect of the game in training referees, table officials and coaches to ease the pressure on Bequia who has to provide all technical administrators.
The Bequia All-Stars dominated the first weekend of games, winning all three. Union Island won two of their games, Canouan won one and Mayreau came out winless. The Tournament opened for the first time in Canouan, to the newly refurbished Canouan Hard Court, complete with covered bleachers for patrons, and new bar facilities, repainted court markings. Rookie Xavaughn Dennie came off the bench with a valiant effort to lead the scoring for Bequia with 23 buckets, Veteran Keithroy Lavia led the scoring for Bequia other two games. Union Island stars included Elton Joseph, Steveon Taylor and Dareo Glasgow who led the scoring in their three games. Canouan’s veteran Damian Harry did not disappoint and led his team’s scoring in two games, along with Dwayne John. Mayreau’s stars included Nemiah Alexander, Tarik Ollivierre and Devon “Bushy” Stevens who led the scoring for their team. All games were competitive and exciting, setting the stage for next weekend, when the tournament continues in Union.