The Digicel Grenadines Basketball Championship 2015 opened at the Canouan Hard Court on Friday 6th November 2015 to hundreds of patrons enjoying high energy basketball, from the elite players of the Grenadines.The gruelling 16 day competition will run from November 6th 2015 to November 21st 2015 at three venues; the hard courts of Bequia, Canouan and Union Island.

The Final match and trophy presentation will take place in Bequia on Nov 21st 2015.This year, four teams have entered the competition: Bequia All-Stars, Canouan Islanders, Mayreau Kings and defending champions Union Island All-Stars.The Tournament is co-ordinated by Sabrina Mitchell of Bequia Basketball, with Rohan Henry of Canouan Basketball and Roseman Adams of the Southern Grenadines Basketball Association.Digicel is leading the way as title sponsor with supporting sponsors; John Clark, Wind n Sea Ltd., Masa Emergency Services, Canouan Resorts, CCA, Tamarind Beach Hotel, Frangipani Hotel, Jaden Sun, and numerous small donors who give in kind.The official opening and march past took place on Saturday night November 7th 2015.Following the National anthem, Digicel Representative Stacey McGuire spoke, expressing her pride for Digicel to be associated with the development of sports in the Grenadines. She offered inspiring remarks to the players encouraging them to play as a team. She added that Digicel looks forward to continuing the partnership with basketball and reminded everyone that the company provides full service in the Grenadines.

Mr. Rohan Henry, President of the Canouan Basketball Association also spoke, expressing his pleasure for the tournament to open in Canouan, especially with the newly refurbished court, and strong level of support of patrons in Canouan who love basketball. He thanked all who got the hard court ready for the event.

Sabrina Mitchell, President of Bequia Basketball, also Sports Ambassador, gave remarks congratulating each team on participating, especially Mayreau, who are a small island, but whose participation is important to the quality of the tournament. She thanked Canouan for stepping up to hosting the opening and for the excellent work done by Mr. Rohan Henry over the years. She expressed her thanks to Digicel for three years of sponsorship and to Mr. John Clark, and all the other tournament sponsors whose contributions are crucial. She encouraged the islands to work on developing the technical aspect of the game in training referees, table officials and coaches to ease the pressure on Bequia who has to provide all technical administrators.

OPENING GAMES

The Bequia All-Stars dominated the first weekend of games, winning all three. Union Island won two of their games, Canouan won one. The Tournament opened for the first time in Canouan, to the newly refurbished Canouan Hard Court, complete with covered bleachers for patrons, and new bar facilities, repainted court markings.

Rookie Xavaughn Dennie came off the bench with a valiant effort to lead the scoring for Bequia with 23 buckets,  Veteran Keithroy Lavia led the scoring for Bequia other two games.

Union Island stars included Elton Joseph, Steveon Taylor and Dareo Glasgow who led the scoring in their three games.

Canouan’s veteran Damian Harry did not disappoint and led his team’s scoring in two games, along with Dwayne John.

Mayreau’s stars included Nemiah Alexander, Tarik Ollivierre and Devon “Bushy” Stevens who led the scoring for their team. All games were competitive and exciting, setting the stage for next weekend, when the tournament continues in Union.

WEEKEND GAME RESULTS

FRI Nov 6th:
Bequia defeat Mayreau 89 to 51
-Leading scorer Bequia: Xavaughn Dennnie with 23 pts, 5 reb, 1 assts, 3 steals
-leading scorer Mayreau: Tarik Ollivierre with 16pts.

Union Island defeat Canoaun 86 to 54
-leading scorer Union: Elton Joseph with 17 pts, 8 reb, 2 assts
-Leading scorer Canouan: Dwayne John with 19 pts, 3 assts, 2 steals.

Saturday Nov 7th:
Union Island defeat Mayreau 98 to 71

Leading scorer Union Is: Dario Glasgow with 23 pts, 1 asst
-leading scorer Mayreau: Nemiah Alexander with 15 pts, 3 reb, 1 asst
Bequia defeat Canouan 66 to 63
-leading scorer Bequia: Keithroy Lavia with 19 pts, 1 steal
-leading scorer Canouan: Damian Harry with 24 pts, 5 reb, 1 asst, 2 steals

Sunday Nov 8th:
Bequia defeat Union Island 78 to 61
Leading scorer Bequia: Keithroy Lavia with 19 pts, 3 assts
-leading scorer Union Is: Steveon Taylor with 16 pts, 1 asst, 1 steal
Canouan defeat Mayreau 88 to 77
Leading scorer Canouan: Damian Harry with 24 pts, 7 reb, 2 asst, 1 blk
-leading scorer Mayreau: Devon Stevens with 21 pts, 8 reb, 1 asst, 2 steals

CURRENT STANDINGS: 10 pts win, 5 pts loss

TEAM          W       L      PTS
BEQUIA        3       0     30
UNION         2        1       25
CANOUAN   1        2      20
MAYREAU   0       3      15

NEXT GAMES
Union Island will host the next weekend games with dates as follows:

Friday Nov 13TH:
7pm: Bequia vs Canouan,
9pm: Union vs Mayreau

Sat Nov 14th:
8pm: Canouan vs Mayreau,
10pm: Union vs Bequia

Sun Nov 15th:
7pm: Bequia vs Mayreau,
9pm:Union vs Canouan