The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

A PROGRAMME recently beset by tragedy had an opportunity to celebrate their achievements on the court as a Government Secondary Schools Sports Association basketball powerhouse.

The GSSSA presented their first set of championship rings to the Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins for winning the 2019-2020 Senior Boys basketball title.

At a ring ceremony hosted at the school’s campus yesterday morning, the team received their long-awaited reward for their three-game series win over the CI Gibson Rattlers in February 2020.

Head coach Denykco Bowles said the team overcame many obstacles on their path to success - including personal tragedy - on their path to success.

The team accepted their rings in memory of assistant coach Lavardo Strachan who recently passed away. Bowles also shared the story of struggling to remain focused on moulding his young Mystic Marlins throughout the course of the season while his young son Dylen battled illness at home. Dylen eventually lost his battle and died last December.

An emotional outpouring saw the Mystic Marlins head coach flanked by his players and support staff as the group celebrated the moment.

“Arriving to this point was not an easy task. It took commitment, dedication and many sacrifices to achieve this feat. The battle was an arduous one, however we valiantly fought and today we are celebrated as champions,” Bowles said.

“To the coaches of the other GSSSA schools, thank you for the countless hours of training and developing the young women and men of our country. I salute you for all of your hard work and effort. Also to our parents, teachers, fans in their absence, we could never have done this without their support.”

The win over the Rattlers gave the Mystic Marlins their second consecutive title in the latest chapter between the two programmes that have decided the GSSA title in five of the past seven years.

Team members included championship series MVP - Richard Lowe, Antjuan McFarlane, Deion Williamson, Joshua Burrows, Clive Knight, Don Stuart, Maleek Pierre, Janiero Saunders, Jaden Woodside, Brandon Olomou, Lamont Pierre, Davon Simms, Matthew Saunders, Rillen Saunders and Brandon Francis.

“To the G.S.S.S.A. committee, we say thank you for this memorabilia. This will definitely serve as a reminder of the sweat and tears we endured to achieve the title,” Bowles said.

“To the industrious and diligent young men of The Doris Mystic Marlins basketball team, your work ethics, your determined mindset, your conscientious decision making to be a part of a team and your ability to play as a cohesive unit are the reasons you are being celebrated today.”

Bahamas Basketball Federation President Mario Bowleg applauded the Mystic Marlins head coach for his legacy building since he joined the programme in 2013.

“Denykco Bowles is someone I have encouraged over the years as someone who has gone through his share of trials and tribulations. I would always pull him to the side and tell him to continue working. Coach Clarke can agree to this, when you are not loved in basketball...you are one of the best,” he said. “So continue to do what you are doing. To those who are coming behind you Bowles, you have left a legacy.”

The Mystic Marlins also took an opportunity to celebrate former principal and local coaching legend, Jimmy Clarke, who was also awarded with a championship ring.

“When you coach kids, make sure they return and give something back. Three of the four top coaches in Grand Bahama, I coached them. The coach taking over CC Sweeting, he played for me at Hawksbill High. The programme will die if there is no one left to refill it,” Clarke said.

“To the young men, learn as much as you can and always remember to thank your coach. Some people grab and take and never say thanks.

“Always thank your coach and thank your teacher. Last but not least do your work in school, if you don’t do your work you can’t get the joy.”

GSSSA President Varel Davis said it was a landmark moment for the programme and her organisation.

“I’m very happy to have reached this milestone of high school sports in the country as we celebrate these accomplishments. In the 28 years of existence of the GSSSA this is the first time we will celebrate with championship rings for senior boys basketball,” she said. “I know that this achievement is only one of many for you, keep up with your work and all the best in future endeavours.”