The Tribune

AFTER four weeks of intense competition, the Band Camp has been named the 2018 Sprite Basketball Tournament champions with a score of 98-78 against the Southwestern Division team.

Demargio Taylor was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, Mark Sawyer was the Spirit Award winner, and Nathan Sullivan, from the Northeastern Division, won a special award in a slam dunk competition during the championship game's halftime show.

The Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC) and the Royal Bahamas Police Force once again teamed up for the 10th annual event, which saw nine district teams compete for the coveted title of Sprite Basketball champions.

The winning team and special award winners all walked away with gift certificates and Sprite gear in recognition of their hard work.

Each summer for the past decade, CBC has funded the Sprite Basketball Tournament, as well as providing all materials for the players and coaches. CBC also provides prizes and giveaways for players, while keeping all participants hydrated with Sprite, Dasani water and Powerade.

"This was truly an exciting tournament and we were very impressed by the sportsmanship of these young men," said Nikia Wells, CBC marketing manager of communications.

"The Sprite Basketball tournament was created by CBC as a way to offer support to the various communities around New Providence that we serve. We found a unique way to bring together young men, from a number of different community districts, for a fun, engaging event.

"Over the years, Sprite Basketball has truly created a positive environment for these young players. Not only have they bonded as friends, but these young men have also built strong relationships with the police officers who coach and mentor them."

The four-week tournament kicked off on July 2 at the Carmichael Road Police Station and the final game was held on July 27 at the Sir Kendall Isaacs Gymnasium.

Students from several of the Royal Bahamas Police Force summer camps attended to cheer on players from their respective districts.

"We were just blown away by this year's tournament. The kids played extremely hard, and we are very grateful for the support of the Caribbean Bottling Company," said ASP Johnson, of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. "Over the past [decade] the Sprite Basketball Tournament has become a highlight of the youth programmes the Force is involved in. This programme not only allows us, as the police body, to pass on valuable team building and professional skills to young men, but it also helps us to foster relationships with these young men, which is invaluable. Without CBC's continued support in organising and financing this programme, none of this would have been possible."

Officer Larvado Davis, head coach for the Band Camp, noted that he was proud of the players and noted that they played well throughout the tournament.

Officer Don Charlow was the head coach for the Southwestern Division.

For more information on CBC's ongoing support of community events, please visit www.cbcbahamas.com