Sports
BVI’s D’Moi Hodge creates history, breaks US college basketball record!
Missour’s D’Moi Hodge (5) heads to the basket in this NCAA college basketball game in 2022. Photo credit: AP
By MERRICK ANDREWS, Online News Editor
(JTV News) — British Virgin Islands guard, D’Moi Hodge, representing the University of Missouri, created history on Wednesday night when he broke the Missouri Tiger’s all-time record for most steals in one season.
Hodge achieved this feat during the Tigers’ 81-76 comeback victory against Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Missouri men’s team, with Hodge’s help, overcame a 19-point deficit.
Hodge ended the game with 23 points and five steals.
“I could write a whole story about how it feels to be in the History books but I’M NOT DONE YET… So I‘ll wait a lil,” Hodge wrote on his Facebook profile page on Thursday.
The Columbia Daily Tribune reported that Hodge entered the game with 73 steals and left with 77, breaking the 76 set by Lynn Hardy during the 1986-87 campaign.
“The record-breaking steal came with 11:34 remaining in the game, and Hodge turned it into a three-pointer to tie the game at 59. It was the first time Missouri had pulled even with LSU since the Bayou Bengals hit a three-pointer just 12 seconds into the first half,” the Tribune reported.
Hodge was reported as saying by the Tribune that he didn’t really know how many steals he had until after the game.
“I was never thinking about the records during the game. I just keep telling (MU athletics associate director of strategic communications) Jason (Veniskey), I don’t want to break it away, I want to break it at home,” Hodge said.
According to the Tribune: “Hodge’s journey with Missouri coach Dennis Gates started when he joined Gates’ Cleveland State team before his junior year. Hodge liked Gates anyway, but the deal was sealed when the coach flew to the British Virgin Islands to meet his family.
“The guard, who joined Cleveland State after a stint at State College of Florida, soon met Tre Gomillion and Deante “Spider” Johnson, who taught him how to be more competitive about defense. Gates also hands out a defensive award after every game, which further motivated him.”
Hodge said in the Tribune that at Cleveland State it was always personal.
“…Part of the joy of playing defense, trying to win that award after every game, that was the biggest thing starting off and it just carried on for the rest of my career,” he was quoted as saying.
Hodge is reportedly in his final season of eligibility and will be honored along with eight of his teammates during Missouri’s senior day ceremony before its regular season finale against Ole Miss, the Tribune reported.
Ephraim Penn has been re-elected as President of the British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC), continuing his leadership for another four-year term. Joining him are returning officers Ms. Sabinah Clement as 1st Vice President, Mr. Lloyd Black as Secretary General, and Mr. Mark Chapman as Treasurer. The election, held during the BVIOC’s Annual General Meeting on December 5, 2024, also saw the addition of Ms. Ashley Kelly as 2nd Vice President and Mr. Zebalon McLean as Member At Large.
The meeting, held at the BVIOC headquarters at Road Reef Plaza, brought together representatives from National Federations (NFs) and the Athletes’ Commission to reflect on the organization’s achievements, plan for the next quadrennial, and recognize outgoing officers. Former 2nd Vice President Mr. Ralston Henry and Member At Large Ms. Gloria Leola Fahie were honored for their contributions to the BVIOC’s development.
The elections were overseen by an independent commission comprising Mr. Wayne Robinson, Mr. Rhennie Phipps, and Ms. Makalia Smith, ensuring a fair and transparent process.
“Our guiding principles align with the International Olympic Charter: to inspire through sports performance and education, empower individuals to excel, and foster collaboration through impactful partnerships,” said President Penn. “We are committed to working with all National Federations and encourage open dialogue to achieve success across all sports in the coming years.”
Penn extended gratitude to the Election Commission for its oversight and to the participating National Federations for their engagement in shaping the BVIOC’s future.
British Virgin Islands Olympian Kyron McMaster added another illustrious accolade to his name as he was officially bestowed the title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) on Thursday, November 28, by the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace.
McMaster, who is currently ranked fourth globally in the 400m hurdles, expressed his gratitude for the recognition. “It feels good to be recognised by the British Empire for my due diligence in sports and the British Virgin Islands,” he said in a brief interview following the ceremony. “I don’t take this [honour] lightly.”
Looking ahead, the decorated athlete expressed ambitions for even greater milestones, hinting at a potential future as “Sir Kyron McMaster.”
The OBE title is one of the highest honours conferred by the British monarchy, awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions in fields such as military service, community development, and professional excellence. McMaster’s recognition underscores not only his athletic achievements but also his role as a symbol of pride for the British Virgin Islands.
Seven young boys from the British Virgin Islands are set to experience basketball at its finest as they head to Orlando, Florida From November 23 to 28. The ballerswill participate in the Jr. Orlando Magic Youth Basketball Camp, an opportunity that combines skill development, fun, and a front-row seat to the NBA world.
The trip is organised through Sports Vision Academy, led by Mr. Eustace “Boss” Freeman. The young athletes—Niquan Freeman, Kyle Gumbs Jr., Jahy Smith, Ke’mori Daway, Tiondre Martin, Jaiden Cameron, and Jadey Glasgow—will be accompanied by Freeman himself, alongside Jovaughn Cameron and Roy Garraway.
“It’s the first time attending this camp, and the boys will also get the opportunity to attend an NBA game as well,” Freeman shared enthusiastically. “They will witness the Bulls take on the Magic, which is bound to be an unforgettable experience.”
The camp promises not only to refine their basketball skills but also to expose them to professional-level gameplay and sportsmanship.
Freeman expressed deep gratitude to the sponsors who made the trip possible, including the BVI Olympic Committee, Travel Wize LTD, and HNF. “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s stars,” Freeman said, reflecting on the impact this trip could have on the boys’ futures.
For these young ballers, this is more than a camp—it’s a chance to dream big and see where their talent can take them.
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