Defending champions St. Mary’s College (SMC) successfully retained the Ministry of Youth Development, Sports and Digital Transformation Under-16 Schools Basketball Championship with an impressive performance, solidifying their dominance in the sport.
On Thursday, in front of a supportive crowd predominantly made up of student fans at the Beausejour Indoor Facility, SMC overwhelmed rivals Castries Comprehensive Secondary School (CCSS) with a decisive 46-24 victory, securing back-to-back titles.
SMC set the tone early, racing to an 8-0 lead in the first quarter, prompting CCSS to call a timeout to regroup. Despite the efforts of CCSS’s star player, David Chandler, who scored the team’s first basket, SMC continued to assert their control, extending their lead with quarter scores of 12-9, 28-12, 36-18, and ultimately 46-24.
Daelan Magloire led the charge for SMC with a remarkable Finals MVP performance, recording 26 points, 14 rebounds, four steals, three assists, and four blocks. He received notable support from Alexander Constantine with 12 points, four rebounds, and four steals.
Ernel Mason added four points, four rebounds, two steals, and one assist, while Jayden Monrose contributed two points, five rebounds, and one assist. Zaieef Mann also chipped in with two points, two rebounds, four steals, and two assists, and Jayden Issac fought hard with six rebounds and one steal.
For CCSS, David Chandler stood out despite the loss, finishing with 17 points, 13 rebounds, seven steals, and seven blocks. His teammates showed commendable effort, with Noah Ellis recording three points, three rebounds, one steal, one assist, and one block, and Deshan Francis adding two points and three rebounds.
Hananiah Martial contributed two points, one rebound, and one assist, while Kinnai St. Croix pulled down six rebounds and one steal.
The post-game awards recognized the tournament’s standout performers:
– Most Points: David Chandler (71, CCSS)
– Most Rebounds: Jaiden Gregg (32, Entrepot Secondary) – Most Steals: David Chandler (22, CCSS)
– Most Blocks: David Chandler (7, CCSS)
– Finals MVP: Daelan Magloire (SMC)
In the end, SMC lifted the championship trophy and gold medals, while CCSS received the runners-up trophy and silver medals. Entrepot Secondary secured third place, taking home the bronze.
This final showcased an explosive start, strategic adjustments, star performances, and a commanding finish. With their latest triumph, SMC has further solidified their dynasty in Under-16 basketball, leaving competitors aware that extraordinary efforts will be necessary to dethrone the champions in 2027.