The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

The Providence Basketball Club’s 4th annual Phil Smith Primary School Basketball Challenge has gotten off to a great start and tournament director Kevin ‘KJ’ Johnson said he has been very pleased with the high level of competition exhibited by the teams after the first two days.

“So far so good. We’ve had some very good teams,” Johnson said. “Some teams have gotten beaten in double figures and a lot of the games have been very close, so it’s been some good keen competition. Tomorrow (today), we are looking for some more keen competition before the top four teams go to the playoffs for the championship and the third place game. So we expect the teams to battle it out at the end.”

Johnson said the tournament is being held in honour of the late ZNS sportscaster Phil Smith and his organisation is just thrilled to have the opportunity to expose the future stars through the game of basketball.

The tournament is slated to continue 4pm today and conclude on Thursday.

Our Lady’s 34, Genesis Academy 13

The defending champions didn’t waste any time to establish their presence as they surged ahead 18-7 at the half, thanks to Makeo Taylor’s seven points. Taylor finished with a game high 17 and Francisco McKinney added seven in the win. Ethan Bain and Chandon Kelly had seven and six respectively in the loss.

Temple Christian 29, Blairwood 2

In another rout, the Suns pulled out to a 16-2 lead at the half and they never looked back as G Ferguson scored six and both Tito Bethel and R Saintilus had four apiece. Blairwood got six from Z Smith in the loss.

Hillcrest Academy 18, Teleos 16

For a team that is just starting its basketball programme, Hillcrest Academy continues to turn heads as Nicholas Strachan had 12 and Naaman Bandel added four in the win. Joshua Dames had eight to lead the losers.

Carlton E Francis 35, Christian Heritage 18

One of the top primary school teams, Carlton E Francis showed that they are ready for the tournament. The blowout of Christian Heritage was sparked by a 21-9 half-time tear. Garvin Clarke scored 12 and both Javon Woodside and Stephon Smith had 10 to spark the run. Kyden Cash had seven in the loss.

St Bede’s 37, Queen’s College 7

Blaize Darling single-handedly led the Crushers with eight points in their 15-5 first half spurt. Darling finished with a game high 24 and Jorden Freemantle added seven. The Comets got six in the loss from N Sergeant.

Our Lady’s 24, Queen’s College A 15

Makeo Taylor put on another scoring spree as he came through with 10 and Francisco McKinney had six in the win. The Comets got eight from Armbrister in the loss.