The St Mary’s College (SMC) Under-16 basketball squad has firmly established their dominance, reigning as the undisputed champions of the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports Secondary Schools Basketball Tournament.
This victory came last Friday at the Beausejour Indoor Facility (BIF). Over the past three weeks, six schools fiercely contested the tournament, but SMC emerged asthe standout team, finishing the competition with a stellar 6-1 record and decisively defeating Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School (LHCSS) 29-20 in the championship showdown.
From the outset, SMC set the tone, charging to an 11-4 lead in the first quarter. Although LHCSS regrouped and narrowed the gap in the second quarter, SMC’s relentless defensive effort and offensive strength ensured they maintained control, ultimately sealing their victory in the final stretch.
Tai La Force spearheaded SMC’s performance with nine points, four rebounds, and four steals, while finals MVP Rawlins Estwick made significant contributions with six points, 11 rebounds, and two steals.
Requelme Pierre and Rane Gustave each added two points, solidifying SMC’s dominance.
Despite their loss, Sage Lewis delivered an exceptional performance for LHCSS, tallying 11 points, 10 rebounds, and four steals, demonstrating that he is one of the tournament’s elite talents.
Alhil Cyril supported with four points and two steals, keeping his team competitive. In the bronze medal
match, Castries Comprehensive Secondary School (CCSS) decisively overpowered Entrepot Secondary
School (ESS) 33-19, securing their podium finish.
Kwan St. Luce led CCSS with 17 points, five rebounds, and three steals, while David Chandler was a dominant force, amassing six points, 15 rebounds, six steals, and six blocks.
Three additional players—Jeannarl Louis, Jaydan Gabriel, and Nathan Francis—each contributed two points.
For ESS, Hushan Simon fought valiantly, scoring six points, grabbing five rebounds, and securing a steal,
while Yanick Melius added four points, five rebounds, four steals, and two assists. Azaria Leon, the standout female player, and Kobe Francis also chipped in with two points each.
The tournament’s highlights include:
– Championship Trophy/Gold Medals: St. Mary’s College.
– Team MVPs : SMC’s Jabarie Archibald claimed Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors with an impressive 40 points, 32 rebounds, 12 steals, and four blocks throughout the competition.
Outstanding players included:
– Chaz Alexander (Soufriere Comprehensive): 67 points, 21 rebounds, and Most Steals with 28.
– David Chandler (Castries Comprehensive): 22 points, 38 rebounds, 17 steals, and Most Blocks with nine.
– Imani Gonzague (Entrepot Secondary): 13 points, 18 rebounds, five assists, and 23 steals.
– Sage Lewis (Leon Hess Comprehensive): Most Points with 79, 76 rebounds, and 11 steals.
– Rushawn Williams (Patricia D. James Secondary): 25 points, 35 rebounds, 19 steals, and four blocks.
– Clayshawn John (Soufriere Comprehensive): Most Assists with 7. SMC has definitively shown they are a force to be reckoned with in the realm of youth basketball.