The inaugural Smith’s ICT & Security Services 13U Basketball Tournament came to a close on Thursday 27th July at the Rodney MacArthur Rey Auditorium. The first semi-final of Top Hill vs. Jr. Hoyas ended with Top Hill cruising to a 66 – 24 victory. Top Hill had 4 players scoring in double figures with Jauron Gayle (13 pts), Sanjay Harrigan (12 pts), Raiquan Gumbs (11 pts) and Rashawn Warner (19 points) all contributing heavily to advance to the championship game. Jr. Hoyas were led by constantly improving Jaheim Gumbs who scored 9 points.
The other semi-final saw Bandits defeating Alpha Wolves 35-31, certainly a much closer contest than Bandits would have expected. Steven Rogers led the way for Bandits with 15 points while Miltoine Mercer contributed 11. Alpha Wolves were led by a strong performance from Rashaun Cordice who had his best game of the season with 21 points.
The championship game was as expected; a tight battle between the two heavyweights of the tournament as both teams battled back and forth and finished the first half with a 1 point difference. In the second half, however, the fire power of Top Hill proved too much for Bandits as they finished the season undefeated with a 53-43 victory. Top Hill was led by Rashawn Warner’s 17 points – and a balanced contribution from Sanjay Harrigan (13 pts), Raiquan Gumbs (11 pts) & Jauron Gayle (9 pts). Bandits’ effort was led by Steven Rogers’ 25 points & Omar Hodge’s 10 points.
Awards distributed were as follows:
Jr. Hoyas MVP: Shaquan Morton
Alpha Wolves MVP: Xaje Brooks
Bandits MVP: Steven Rogers
Top Hill MVP: Jauron Gayle
Overall MVP: Steven Rogers
Most Disciplined Player: Rojai Bryan
Each MVP received a basketball while the overall MVP received a Jersey. Additionally, parents of the players also left as winners as mothers of players – in attendance – were able to shoot a free throw to win US$50, while fathers got a chance to shoot a 3 point shot for the same amount. Curlyn Smith was able to emerge a winner, while Vernon ‘Twidy’ Carty left as the winning father after his son nailed the 3 pointer on his behalf.
The Organising Committee would like to thank the general public, in particular the parents, for their continued support throughout the tournament. We would also like to thank Mr. Dwayne Smith of Smith’s ICT & Security Services for his overwhelming support. Mr. Smith covered all costs associated with t-shirts, water, trophies and gifts for both players and parents. We look forward to his continued support.
– Contributed
