The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

AS the Grand Bahama Secondary Sports Athletic Association (GBSSAA) senior boys basketball season tips off today, the Sunland Baptist Academy Stingers look to stake its claim as one of the top teams in the country.

Under the leadership of head coach Jay Phillipe, the Stingers have had an impressive run in a series of preseason tournaments.

“Our team is really coming into form as we play more and more and our team chemistry is unbelievable as guys are playing with confidence and attitude,” he said. “Watch out for us in Hugh Campbell because we are prepared to win the first one for this school.

The Stingers have recorded several marquee victories en route to a 15-6 preseason record.

Most recently, they competed in the 25th Annual Daytona Sunshine Classic with a 2-2 overall record. They concluded the tournament when they defeated Sulivan High School with the final score of 63-34.

Daniel Wright led the team with 18 points, followed by Tyler Davis with 16 points and Tavares Marche with 13 points. Melvin Dixon and Brian Gilbert both chipped in with eight points respectively. Andrew Roker added 7 points.

Phillipe said his team has made several “statement wins” so far on the season that should vault them into the national conversation.

“People first took notice with the win over St George’s in the Vita Malt Classic, considering that they were preseason ranked No.2. We’ve beaten them three times already for the year which I think makes us clear cut No. 2 in Grand Bahama,” he said. “Another highlight was defeating Tabernacle in their own annual Thanksgiving tournament. We are the only team that has beaten them so far. Another huge accomplishment was winning two games at the tournament in Daytona. In previous years, Sunland would win less when they travelled.”

Philippe graduated from Sunland Baptist Academy in 2006 and went on to graduate with his MBA from Webber International University in 2012. He worked as a graduate assistant for the Webber men’s basketball programme before returning to Grand Bahama and taking over the helm at Sunland. The Stingers last made an appearance in the Hugh Campbell final in 2011 when, losing to RM Bailey.