THE Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School (VFCSS), Thursday, began its campaign in the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports Under-19 Basketball tournament at the Beausejour Indoor Facility (BIF) with a commanding 27-17 victory over Micoud Secondary School (MSS).

VFCSS took control early, leading by six points at the end of the first quarter (8-2) and maintaining a 12-6 advantage at halftime. Both teams elevated their game in the second half, employing full-court pressure that resulted in turnovers and easy transition baskets.
However, VFCSS dominated the scoreboard, finishing the third quarter with a slight edge (6-6), maintaining an 18-12 lead. In the final quarter, VFCSS showcased its superiority, scoring 9 points to Micoud’s 5.
Joshua Derose was instrumental in the victory, leading VFCSS with 12 points, 19 rebounds, 4 steals, and 1 assist. Josan Henry contributed significantly with 6 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals. For MSS, Derville Mc Farlane led with 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 steals, while Kéf Clovis added 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals.
The Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School will face Sir Arthur Lewis Community College on Tuesday, January 21 at 12:15 p.m., while Micoud Secondary School will take on Entrepot Secondary School on January 28 at 12:15 p.m. at the BIF.
On Day 2 of the tournament, Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) defeated the Patricia D. James Secondary (PDJS) 64-30, establishing themselves as early frontrunners in the tournament with their potent offensive firepower and strong defensive strategy. They led 12-9 at the end of the first quarter and increased their lead to 20-15 by halftime.
PDJS squandered seven consecutive free throw attempts just before the halftime whistle, which ultimately cost them momentum. In the second half, SALCC maintained dominance, doubling the score by the end of the third quarter (41-20) and sealing the game with an additional 23 points in the fourth quarter.
Jazaniah Blanchard led all scorers with 27 points, alongside 5 rebounds and 3 steals. Kurshawn Edgar supported the offense with 6 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals, while Jovanni Antoine contributed 5 points and 6 rebounds. Barnett Bledman stood out for PDJS with 11 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists, while Junior Dupre added 9 points, 13 rebounds, 4 steals, and 6 assists. Maliq Mitchel and Daniel Martin chipped in with 5 and 4 points, respectively.
PDJS will take on the defending champions, Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary, on January 21 at 1:30 p.m.