Jamaica College win Old Harbour basketball tournament

After a two-year break due to the covid-19 pandemic, some of the islands most prodigious under-16 talents competed for top honours.

However, in the end it was the famed ‘Dark Blues’ from Old Hope Road in Kingston that captured the main prize after beating Excelsior High 17-10 in the final showdown.

Jevaughn Champagnie, who was named tournament MVP, was the difference-maker for Jamaica College as they kept a 100% win record on the day.

Ardenne High claimed third spot, while Manchester High School earned the Trevor Weir Fairplay Award.

On a day that had some 230 persons in attendance it was refreshing to see fans and players of the sport converge in one space.

One of the most poignant moments, however, came off the court, when veteran administrator and official of the sport locally, Howard McCatty, was formally recognized by the organisers for his long service and contribution to youth development through basketball.

Staying true to its motto of ‘Reaching without Preaching’ the tournament organisers, which included founders Michael Williams and Pastor Ricardo Edwards, got things off with devotion.

Renowned physician Dr Orlando Thomas, who delivered the keynote address, used the life of the late Kevon Godfrey to remind players of the importance to seek medical advice and not to take any abnormal discomforts for granted.

“He really reached the youths,” pastor Edwards said of Dr Thomas’ presentation. “It was very impactful and timely.”

He added: “We started a little late but we got to play and the tournament went well. JC ended up winning everything by beating Excelsior in the final. The score was low but the game was very exciting. So it was a good day and to God be the glory.”

And there were even bigger praises from those of the Christian faith, as according to the Pastor Edwards “five persons gave their lives to the Lord”.