On Thursday, the Department of Youth Development and Sports launched the U-16 Basketball Tournament, showcasing a stunning performance by the defending champions, St. Mary’s College (SMC).
They dominated their first game against Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School (VFCSS) with a commanding 67-4 victory. SMC wasted no time establishing their dominance, shutting out VFCSS in the opening quarter with a breathtaking 23-0 run.
The quarter scores reflected their control throughout the game: 23-0, 34-2, 46-4, 67-4. For SMC, standout players included:
– **Daelan Magloire:** 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals; the leading scorer and defensive anchor.
– **Ernel Mason:** 13 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, and 4 assists; expertly orchestrating the offense.
– **Zaieef Mann:** 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 assist; bringing energy and hustle to the team.
– **Jayden Monrose:** 6 points and 2 rebounds; providing steady support to the team’s dominance.
This emphatic win signaled SMC’s intent to successfully defend their championship title. Their balanced scoring, defensive intensity, and disciplined play set the tone for their title defense, even in the absence of a roaring crowd.
In Game 2, Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School (SCSS) showcased grit and determination as they pulled away from Beanfield Comprehensive Secondary School (BCSS) for a 31-13 victory. This game featured a defensive struggle, with both teams battling for possession. SCSS established control early, leading 8-4 after the first quarter and steadily widening the gap with scores of 15-8, 19-8, and finally 31-13.
Key players for SCSS included:
– **Trenton Henry (No. 7):** 14 points, 7 rebounds, 7 steals, and 1 assist; a two-way force who dictated the game.
– **Kyree Clovis (No. 12):** 9 points, 1 rebound, and 4 steals; sharp on defense and efficient on offense.
– **Felix Sanchez (No. 15):** 4 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 steals; dominant on the boards and disruptive defensively.
– **Dominic Lewis (No. 5):** 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals; providing steady contributions on both ends. For BCSS, **Marlix Neptune (No. 7)** was a standout performer with 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 assist, keeping his team competitive throughout the game.
In Game 3, the action unfolded as a defensive grind, with Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School (LHCSS) narrowly edging out Choiseul Secondary School (ChSS) by a score of 20-16. The contest went back and forth, with ChSS briefly taking the lead in the second quarter.
However, LHCSS regrouped and showed resilience in the closing stages to secure the win. The quarter scores underscored the defensive nature of the game: 6-4, 10-11, 16-11, 20-16. Key players for LHCSS included:
– **Quann Cherubin (No. 17):** 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals; providing steady scoring and defensive presence.
– **Cameron Guard (No. 2):** 6 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 assist; impactful on both ends of the floor.
– **Jayden Alcee (No. 10):** 4 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal; contributing reliably to a balanced team effort.
For ChSS, **Christiano Nestor (No. 9)** had 4 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals, fighting hard to keep his team in contention, while **Richard Joseph (No. 11)** contributed 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 steals, serving as a defensive standout and disrupting LHCSS’s possessions.
Unlike the high-scoring opener, Game 3 was defined by grit, defense, and missed opportunities. Both teams fought for every possession, but LHCSS’s ability to respond under pressure in the final quarter proved decisive.
Their narrow win adds an extra layer of drama to Day 1, showcasing the variety of competitive battles this tournament can produce.