Sports
VG Bayside Blazers Crush Dominican Republic 87-76 in Electrifying BOTF Opener
The “Battle of the Fittest” (BOTF) Basketball League erupted in high-octane action yesterday as the VG Bayside Blazers delivered a stunning 87-76 blow to the Dominican Republic team in the tournament’s opening game at The LB Scott Sports Auditorium in Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
Running from July 14 to July 20, 2024, the BOTF promises a week of fierce competition, and the Blazers set the tone with their opening performance.
Coach Brian S. Brewley, aka ‘Bash,’ masterminded a strategic onslaught from the Blazers by letting point guard Anthony J. Smith command the court leaving the Dominican Republic scrambling.
From the first whistle, the Blazers surged ahead, establishing a double-digit lead that they never relinquished. Norville S. Carey, known as ‘Banana,’ was a force to be reckoned with, racking up 17 points. Hot on his heels, Raheem E. Carter contributed 16 points, while Shamarr A. George, aka ‘Shumba,’ added 15 points to the tally.
The VG Bayside Blazers, under the ownership and management of Julian Willock, have drawn significant backing, with Biras Creek Resort leading as the Platinum Sponsor. Other key supporters include the Skelton Group of Companies, Hon. Lorna G. Smith, OBE, Hon. Vincent O. Wheatley, Nagico Insurances, Clive L. McCoy, Ephraim E. Penn, Cliff W. Williams, and Northam Construction.
Tonight’s showdown at 8:00 PM against Team USA is set to be a highlight of the tournament, followed by a crucial clash with St. Maarten on Tuesday, July 16.
In another gripping game, the Skillful Ballers from Tortola, coached by Rodney Simmons (‘Gola’), secured a nail-biting victory over St. Eustatius with an 81-76 finish, adding to the Virgin Islands’ triumphs.
Photos: Courtesy of VG Bayside Blazers
Five coaches were awarded their Concacaf C License certifications, the British Virgin Islands Football Association announced this week, marking a new step in the Territory’s push to strengthen youth football development. The certificates were presented by BVIFA Technical Director Paul Decle, who addressed the group alongside representatives of the association.
Decle, speaking at the brief presentation ceremony, underscored the responsibility that accompanies the new qualification. “Your role now is to develop the future of football,” he said. “The mandate from the BVIFA to the new C License coaches is to put in the work and develop the youth — on and off the field.”
The Concacaf C License Course is designed to improve coaching standards across the region by focusing on player development, session planning, and youth-centered instruction. Completion of the program allows coaches to work more extensively within national grassroots and youth football structures.
BVIFA officials described the accomplishment as part of the association’s wider effort to strengthen coaching capacity, improve technical standards, and expand youth outreach programs across the islands.
The newly licensed coaches are expected to support BVIFA training initiatives, youth academies, and upcoming development programs scheduled throughout the 2024–25 calendar.
The British Virgin Islands men’s rugby sevens team will begin its Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens campaign today, Nov. 21 in Arima, Trinidad, with scheduled matches against St. Lucia at 10:28 a.m. and Turks and Caicos at 2:28 p.m. at Larry Gomes Stadium. The tournament runs Nov. 20–22 and will feature national teams from across the region.
The BVI squad is preparing for a demanding three-day slate that continues on Nov. 22 with games against St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Curaçao, followed by a matchup with the Bahamas on Nov. 23. Results from the tournament will contribute to regional rankings and, in some cases, influence qualification pathways for future international events.
Team officials released the full roster ahead of travel to Trinidad. The delegation includes Jayden Williams, Josiah Means, Jonathan McAauley, Gethin Jones, Bradrick Evans, Stuart Fee, Rossa Canavan, Roan Thornton, Denvin Jones, D’von Jones, Thomas Wilson, Roequan Hemerding, Robert Lind and Thomas Chapman. Coach James Morris and manager Mark Jones will oversee preparations.
Tournament organizers say RAN Sevens remains the primary development platform for rugby sevens in the Caribbean and North America, offering emerging unions consistent exposure to international-standard play. The BVI team is expected to complete final training sessions before taking the field Friday morning.
Further updates will follow once competition gets underway.
Courtney Bascombe earned a bronze medal in the men’s 100 metres at the North, Central American and Caribbean Masters Athletics Championships in Mexico City after a strong showing in both rounds of competition.
Bascombe advanced to the final after winning his preliminary heat on Friday with a time of 11.43 seconds. He improved in the medal round on Saturday, clocking 11.35 seconds to finish third overall.
The regional Masters Championships bring together veteran athletes from across the Americas and the Caribbean, competing in track and field disciplines across multiple age categories. The event is sanctioned by the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) and recognises athletes over 35 years of age.
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