The battle for dominance in the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports Under-16 Schools Basketball Tournament is now reaching its final rounds at the Beausejour Indoor Facility, where the stakes are exceptionally high.
On Monday, a Triple-Header Clash unfolded with decisive matchups: Game 1 – Castries Comprehensive vs. Entrepot Secondary, Game 2 – Patricia D. James vs. Soufriere Comprehensive, and Game 3 – St. Mary’s College vs. Leon Hess Comprehensive.
On Thursday, May 15, the competition intensified after a thrilling second-round showdown at the Vigie Multi-Purpose Sports Complex.
Entrepot Secondary School (ESS) and Castries Comprehensive Secondary School (CCSS) made a strong comeback from previous setbacks, securing critical wins that reshaped the title race. After facing a narrow 30-27 loss in their opening match against Soufriere Comprehensive, ESS stepped onto the court with a singular mission: to survive. Undeterred by the persistent drizzle, ESS surged into action, knowing that another loss against St. Mary’s College (SMC) would jeopardize their championship aspirations. Imani Gonzague led the charge with a clutch performance, scoring six points and grabbing two rebounds, while Yanick Melius, Tyler Charles, Rohn Cox, and Cersim Alexander contributed crucial baskets that ensured a hard-fought 15-13 victory.
SMC demonstrated resilience, with Jabari Archibald delivering a solid performance, finishing with four points, four steals, and one block. Rawlins Estwick added another four points, while Rane Gustave and Requelmi Pierre each chipped in two points.
CCSS entered the matchup against Soufriere Comprehensive prepared for battle, quickly establishing their dominance. From the opening whistle, CCSS set the pace, leading 7-2 in the first quarter and 11-5 at halftime. Despite SCSS’s attempts to stage a comeback, CCSS’s relentless defense and offensive prowess widened the gap, culminating in a decisive 27-14 victory that solidified their status as serious contenders. David Chandler delivered an outstanding performance, registering eight points, 11 rebounds, five steals, two assists, and five blocks.
Jeannael Louis (eight points, six rebounds) and Jayden Gabriel (six points, 12 rebounds) bolstered CCSS’s offensive efforts. Rochelle Joseph, CCSS’s lone female player, played a significant role with four rebounds and two steals, while Chaz Alexander (eight points, five rebounds, seven steals) and Eleazar Cazaubon (two points, six rebounds, six steals, one assist) were crucial in neutralizing SCSS’s attack. The highly anticipated matchup between Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School (LHCSS) and Patricia D. James Secondary School (PDJSS) did not proceed as planned due to unforeseen circumstances.