By BRENT STUBBS
Senior Sports Reporter
bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
THREE new champions dethroned the Temple Christian Academy Suns as the week-long Temple Christian Academy primary school basketball tournament came to a close on Friday at the Temple Christian Academy Gymnasium.
In the mini division, the Kingsway Academy Saints knocked off the Temple Christian Academy Suns 13-8, Teleos Christian School Cherubims doubled up Temple Christian Academy 20-10 for the junior girls’ crown and the Freedom Baptist Warriors won the junior boys’ title 31-6 over Temple Christian Academy.
Nekeno ‘Keno’ Demeritte, the tournament organiser, said after putting on their first tournament since the COVID-19 pandemic broke in 2020, he was pleased with how things turned out.
“The tournament was a very successful one,” he said. “Every game from day one to day five was exciting. We saw a lot of things that the kids have to work on with their court awareness and stuff like that.
“There’s a lot of things we have to go back over with the kids, but all in all, the tournament was really good. It wasn’t disappointing that we lost our championship titles. It just opened up our eyes to what we have to work on through the upcoming season.”
Demeritte, however, commended Kingsway Academy, Teleos Academy and Freedom Baptist Academy, who emerged as the three new champions this year. He also commended the Jordan Prince Williams High Falcons for making their presence felt in the tournament.
Josiah ‘Ziah’ Major, coach of Freedom Baptist Academy, said his boys did what they had to do to become the new champions.
“I know we had the talent,” Major said. “The boys did exceptionally well. They played defence and they executed their offence. I give God all the glory.”
It was the first championship win for Freeport Baptist boys’ team in the tournament.
Caleb Russell carted off the most valuable player award in leading the Warriors to victory.
“Our girls had the talent too, but two of our best players got sick, so unfortunately we were not able to go all the way missing those girls,” Major added. “But we came in third place, so we are happy for that.”
Yves Pierre, the coach of Teleos Christian School, said it was a great feeling for his Cherubims to claim one of the titles in the tournament. “After being away from basketball for the better part of two years and not playing in a high-level competition in basketball, the girls were excited to be back on the court,” Pierre said. “We were excited that we were able to secure our first championship title.”
Kayla Bien was named the MVP.
Demeritte said it was good to see three different schools win the three divisional titles for the first time, while his Suns shined as the runners-up. He vowed that they will be back for their titles next year.
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