The Tribune

THE Eastern Division took on the Western Division during the 11th annual Sprite Basketball Tournament championship game at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium on Friday.

After several weeks of intense competition, the Eastern Division team won the title of 2019 Sprite Basketball champions, with a score of 83-63.

Matthew Saunders was named MVP and Emaniel Alexander was the Spirit award winner for the tournament, which featured performances by Tonash and the South Central Division Band.

Antjuan McFarlane also won the halftime Slam Dunk competition.

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

“Every year, we are excited and proud to sponsor the Sprite Basketball Tournament, and we would like to say a big congratulations to the Eastern and Western teams, as well as Matthew, Emaniel and Antjuan,” said Nikia Wells, CBC communications marketing manager.

“We have seen a number of these young men grow and evolve as athletes over the years, and we are constantly blown away by the excitement, talent and the camaraderie that develops over the course of the tournament.”

Each summer, for the past 11 years, 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.

“The Sprite Basketball tournament was created by CBC as a way to offer support to the various communities around New Providence that we serve,” Wells said. “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 they have also built strong relationships with the police officers who coach and mentor them.”

In addition to earning the title of Sprite Basketball champions, players on the winning team received a Sprite gift bag, $100 gift certificates and medals, courtesy of CBC.

The runners-up received a Sprite gift bag, $50 gift certificates and medals.

The MVP, Sprite Award winner and the Slam Dunk winner all received trophies and $150 gift certificates.

“The Sprite Basketball Tournament has become a highlight of the youth programmes that the force is involved in,” said ASP Johnson, of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

Said Johnson, who is also the coordinator of the programme:

“Over the past 10 years plus, the Sprite Basketball Tournament has not only allowed 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 be possible.”

The Caribbean Bottling Company and Sprite also sponsored several other summer programmes as part of its Sprite Summer of Basketball, including Peace On Da Streets, the Buddy Hield Basketball Summer Programme, the Kevin Johnson Basketball Summer Camp, and Hooping By The Park, which was founded by Sprite Basketball Tournament alumnus Jabari Wilmott.

• For more information on CBC’s ongoing support of community events, please visit:

www.cbcbahamas.com