The Bequia Basketball Association (BBA) has officially concluded its 24th Annual Bequia Basketball Tournament, bringing a month of competitive basketball, youth development and community engagement to an exciting close at the Clive Tannis Hard Court.
The tournament, which featured U12, U16, 2nd Division and 1st Division competition, once again showcased the depth of basketball talent emerging from Bequia and across the Grenadines. The finals weekend began on Saturday, August 29, with the newly introduced U12 Division taking centre stage.
Grinches Crowned First-Ever U12 Champions
Grinches dominated their U12 Division final against the Seagulls, securing a 20-13 victory to become the first-ever U12 Division champions in the history of the Bequia Basketball Tournament. Grinches standout Zende Lorraine was named Finals MVP, after scoring half of his team’s total points.
The BBA Executive has highlighted the success of the newly created U12 division as one of the major achievements of this year’s tournament. Following the youth camps and training sessions held earlier in the year, the Association has witnessed significant improvement in the players in just one month. The development of the youngest players remains a major priority for the BBA, with the Executive looking forward to seeing their skills, confidence and passion for basketball continue to grow in the coming years.
The Association also recognised two standout young players, Tyrese Browne and Agape Stowe, who were awarded Most Enthusiastic Players for their continued passion, energy and commitment to the game throughout both the tournament and the youth camps.
Golden Knights Retain 2nd Division Championship After Double-Overtime Thriller
The second game of the evening produced what many fans described as the most exciting and intense game of the entire tournament. The 2nd Division final between Golden Knights and Apex Elite was a back-and-forth battle, with Golden Knights trailing for much of the game.
With the championship on the line, Golden Knights’ Cassius Joseph stepped up in the final moments of regulation, sinking two consecutive free throws to tie the game. After a double overtime and multiple players on both teams fouling out, Golden Knights eventually gained momentum late in the second overtime period and secured an 80-71 victory over Apex Elite. Joseph’s clutch free throws proved decisive, reinforcing the familiar basketball lesson that free throws win games. His outstanding tournament performance earned him several honours, including Team MVP, Overall MVP and Most Rebounds.
The victory also saw Golden Knights retain their 2nd Division championship, successfully defending the title for a second consecutive year.
Hornets Capture U16 Championship
Sunday, August 30, brought the U16 and 1st Division championship games. The U16 final saw Hornets defeat Golden Knights 36-30 to claim their first championship in many years.
The victory was particularly impressive given the team’s journey through the tournament. Hornets entered the knockout stage after placing last in the first round, but fought their way back into contention, defeating Titans in the semi-finals before overcoming Golden Knights in the championship game. Head Coach Colson Peters credited the team’s success to the commitment shown during the tournament, particularly the evening practice sessions he held with his players.
River Hacksaw was named Finals MVP as Hornets celebrated their long-awaited championship. Golden Knights’ Jeremy Hunte was also recognised for an outstanding tournament, earning awards for Most Rebounds, Most Blocks, Team MVP and Overall MVP.
BBA President Sabrina Mitchell thanked the Golden Knights Basketball Club for its continued investment in developing the next generation of basketball players in the Grenadines.
Smokin Aces Crowned 1st Division Champions
The final game of the 24th Annual Tournament featured the 2024 champions East Blazers against newcomer Smokin Aces, a team predominantly featuring players from Union Island.
East Blazers were led by men’s senior national team player Jermaine John, who put up a strong fight throughout the championship game. However, Smokin Aces ultimately prevailed 59-48 to claim the 1st Division championship.
Despite the loss, John had an exceptional tournament and walked away with several individual honours, including Most Points, Most Steals, Team MVP and Overall MVP. Smokin Aces also featured national team talent in brothers Elton Joseph, a member of the Men’s Senior National Team, and Elroy Joseph, a member of the U23 3×3 National Team. Elroy was a dominant force in the championship game and was rewarded for his performance with both Team MVP and Finals MVP honours.
The victory marks a significant achievement for the newly formed Smokin Aces and highlights the growing contribution of Union Island players to basketball in the Grenadines.
The championship games were attended by Hon. Dr. Godwin Friday, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as Dr. Renitta Peters-Morris, Vice President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Basketball Federation. Their presence underscored the growing importance of basketball development and the role of community-level programmes in creating pathways for young Vincentian athletes.
BBA President Sabrina Mitchell expressed her appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s tournament. Mitchell thanked sponsors, donors, supporters, parents, players, volunteers, Executive members, referees and table officials for their commitment throughout the tournament.
Special thanks go to The Chappy House, Grenadines Initiative, Craiglee Sam of Breakthrough Basketball Academy, Frangipani Hotel, Sugar & Spice Café, Vintages Bequia, Chowda Unlimited, Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Imperial Pharmacy, Knights Trading, Rise Up Bequia, Caribbean Woods and Kenya’s Trucking.
The BBA is already looking ahead, with President Mitchell announcing the Elite Athletes Program and the 12 players, ages 15-24, selected to participate. More details will follow soon. The BBA will also host another Grenadines 3×3 Tournament in October and continue its youth basketball camps.
As the 24th Annual Tournament comes to a close, the BBA Executive remains committed to building on the momentum created this summer and investing in the future of basketball across Bequia and the wider Grenadines.
