Sports

BVI’s D’Moi Hodge creates history, breaks US college basketball record!

Published

2 years ago

March 2, 2023

Editor

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.

Up Next

Rhymer emerges winner of Ivan Dawson Primary Inter-House

Don't Miss

Sharp Shins wins Enis Adams Primary Champs title

Click to comment

Local News

BVI Returns to OECS Swimming Championships, Secures Silver Medal

Published

7 days ago

November 14, 2024

Editor

After an eight-year hiatus, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) Swimming Federation returned to the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Swimming Championships with a six-member team at the 32nd annual event held from November 8–10 at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Center in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. This marked BVI’s first appearance since 2016, following setbacks from Hurricane Irma in 2017 that impacted athletic infrastructure and development programs.

Representing the BVI were Jai Potter (15-17), Kyla Potter (11-12), Arun Bissoondutt (9-10), Naya Bissoondutt (8 & Under), Skyler Steer (8 & Under), and William Vergel (8 & Under). Under the guidance of Coach Elsworth Phillip, the young athletes held their own against teams from 11 other territories including reigning champions Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and host nation St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

A standout performance was delivered by Kyla Potter, who claimed a silver medal in the 11-12 Girls 50m Butterfly with a time of 32.16, just 0.5 seconds shy of the gold. This impressive finish highlighted her potential among the region’s top young swimmers. Additionally, Kyla placed 4th in the 100m Butterfly, 6th in the 50m Breaststroke, and achieved competitive rankings across other events.

run Bissoondutt earned 9th place finishes in the 9-10 Boys 50m Backstroke and 100m Freestyle, while Skyler Steer placed in the top 10 in multiple events for the 8 & Under Girls, including an 8th place finish in the 25m Backstroke. William Vergel, competing in the 8 & Under Boys, placed 10th in the 25m Freestyle. Additionally, the team’s 10 & Under mixed 200m Freestyle relay, featuring Arun, Naya, Skyler, and William, secured a respectable 5th place.

At the conclusion of the championships, Antigua and Barbuda claimed their third consecutive OECS title with 1,419 points, followed by Grenada with 1,301.5 points and St. Vincent and the Grenadines with 1,102 points. The BVI finished in 7th place overall, earning 37 points, and celebrated this opportunity to renew its presence in regional swimming after years of rebuilding efforts.

Coach Phillip praised the athletes for their dedication, stating, “Our swimmers have demonstrated commendable focus and resilience. Kyla’s silver medal is a significant achievement and reflects the promising direction of our program.”

Local News

Ephraim Penn Elected President of Eastern Caribbean Olympic Association

Published

1 week ago

November 14, 2024

Editor

Ephraim Penn, President of the British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC), has been elected President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (ANOCES).

The election took place on Friday, 18 October, during the ANOCES General Assembly at the luxurious Sandals Beaches Resort in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. Penn’s years of dedicated service to the Olympic movement, coupled with his strong leadership vision, played a significant role in his election.

Penn’s appointment heralds a renewed emphasis on regional collaboration within the Olympic framework. Upon accepting the role, he shared his aspirations for the organisation:

“I am honoured to serve as President of ANOCES, and I look forward to working closely with my colleagues in the Eastern Caribbean to advance sports development, support our athletes, and further promote the Olympic ideals,” Penn remarked. “Together, we will build a stronger and more unified sports community in the region.”

Under Penn’s leadership, the British Virgin Islands has seen transformative growth in both grassroots and elite sports, particularly in track and field, where the region has consistently outperformed on the international stage.

Penn will be joined by a team of experienced sports administrators. Dominica’s Billy Doctrove, a prominent figure in Caribbean sports and President of the Dominica NOC, has been elected Vice President of ANOCES. Additional key appointments include:

Keith Joseph (St Vincent and the Grenadines) – General Secretary
Glenville Jeffers (St Kitts and Nevis) – Treasurer
Cliff Williams (Antigua and Barbuda) – Committee Member

With this experienced leadership, ANOCES is poised to continue strengthening the Olympic movement and supporting athletes across the Eastern Caribbean.

The ANOCES team has a packed agenda, with their next meeting scheduled in Panama City, Panama, from 12 to 14 November 2024. This gathering will coincide with the Centennial Celebration of Centro Caribe Sport (CCS), formerly the Central American and Caribbean Sports Organisation (CACSO).

The summit in Panama City will offer ANOCES members a platform to discuss strategic priorities for the future. “This is a pivotal time for our region as we chart a path toward greater inclusivity and innovation in sports development,” said Billy Doctrove, the newly elected Vice President.

Sports administrators across the region have expressed optimism about the new leadership. “Ephraim Penn has consistently shown a remarkable ability to unite people and achieve ambitious goals,” commented Keith Joseph, General Secretary of ANOCES. “His vision and commitment will be crucial as we face the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Local News

Virgin Islands Coach Earns Bodybuilding PRO Card in The Bahamas

Published

2 weeks ago

November 10, 2024

Editor

Jermaine Henry, a celebrated coach with Alpha Fitness VI, earned his PRO bodybuilding card on Saturday, November 9, in The Bahamas. This new PRO status transforms Jermaine from a competitive contender into a professional, unlocking potential avenues for endorsements and international partnerships.

His track record includes a 6th-place finish at the renowned Joe Weider’s Olympia Amateur Bodybuilding Competition held on December 14, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Competing among over 400 athletes, he showcased his talent and dedication, elevating the Virgin Islands’ presence in the bodybuilding world.

Congratulations to Jermaine and the Alpha Fitness team!