Basketball fans and players alike assembled at The Valley Basketball Court on Friday April 15 to witness the opening of the LIME-sponsored 2016 National Basketball League matches put on by the Anguilla Amateur Basketball Association (AABA).
The newly appointed Association’s Executive comprises: President, Pamela Riley; Vice President; Mirabelle West; Public Relations Officer, Rudy Webster; Secretary, Kennelva Brooks; Assistant Secretary, Roxxana Brooks; Treasurer, Kwame Connor; Assistant Treasurer, Lisa Rey and Athletes Representative, Jason Hodge.
In her opening remarks President Pamela Riley said, among other things, that basketball was “an excellent team sport that teaches discipline and teamwork. If we continue to grow the sport, it will be one of the leading sports on Anguilla”. She recognized persons like Ian ‘Tucker’ Connor, Cuthbert Jackson and Merrick Richardson for all they had done and continue to do towards the development of local basketball. She continued: “This committee is going to endevour to work with the youth to give them opportunities. Any sport, whatever your skill is, can take you places”. She further noted that discipline was essential in all aspects of life and that the committee would be taking discipline on the basketball court seriously and upholding all the rules that govern the league. She bid the teams a safe, fun filled and professional season, and also extended gratitude to LIME Anguilla for once again sponsoring the tournament.
Remarks were also made by Parliamentary Secretary with responsibility for Sports, Honourable Cardigan Connor, and Director of Sports, Mr. Rollins Richardson, who both wished the league and the players success. In part, Mr. Rollins said: “I too would like to congratulate the Basketball Association for the hard work they put in towards the development of basketball in Anguilla. It is one of the feature sports that we try to develop at the Department. We believe that sports is the way to go in Anguilla and we want to do our best to get the youths involved”. He further noted that it was imperative for the sport to be offered at all levels, be it primary, secondary or senior levels, in order to ensure its longevity and continuity.
Before declaring the tournament officially opened, Marketing Manager of Lime Anguilla, Jade Raymond, tended congratulations to the newly appointed Executive and wished success to all the players. She also recognized the need for more improvements to the playing facility and hoped it could one day be the prime location for Basketball in Anguilla. She said in part: “I hope that over the next coming year we are able to do some more improvements. I am happy that the court was painted in time for the start of the tournament”.
The 2016 League will feature a total of seven registered teams vying for the championship. They are Hoyas, Raiders, Dominicanos, Spartans, New Breed, Outlaws and three-peat champions Shottaz.
The opening night was extremely eventful with 3 point shootouts by the primary and high school players as well as Senior players – and a 3 on 3 mix up. The winners were: Primary – Jauron Gayle of the Adrian T. Hazel Primary School; High School – Yariel Fleming of Yellow House, and Seniors – Outlaws. Los Dominicanos won the 3 on 3 mix up with a very thrilling display.
More excitement was sparked with a Jackpot Competition where spectators and players were given the opportunity to ‘Play to Win’. More than 20 persons placed $5 EC into a bag and were then given three chances to make the most baskets. Players attempted from the half court line while spectators went from the 3 point line; and women and children went from the free throw line. Jauron Gayle once again proved why he was a champion and hit 3 consecutive baskets thus walking away with $46 US and $10 EC.
On Saturday April 16, Raiders dominated the 2-eight minute halves winning the first knockout game against Hoyas
Games continue on Friday April 22nd at 7 pm on The Valley Basketball Court.
