The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THERE is no shortage of basketball tournaments catering to boys throughout the country, and now the New Providence Women’s Basketball Association will add another option for girls looking for an opportunity to showcase their skills.

The NPWBA is scheduled to host it’s first annual NPWBA All-Girls High School Tournament at the DW Davis Gymnasium January 8-11. The event will honour local iconic head coach Anthony Swaby.

Mynez Cargill-Sherman, president of the NPWBA, said it was fitting for the organisation to credit a man who has used his experience to give back through the game of basketball.

“This tournament is hosted in the honour of a long-time serving coach, Anthony Swaby, who has given his life to the game and remains a prominent figure in the NPWBA.

Long- time coach of the Angels basketball club and former national coach, Swaby has touched the lives of scores of women basketball players and has played an instrumental role in assisting scores of players with obtaining a higher education by way of basketball scholarships to colleges and universities abroad.”

An indication of his dedication to the game, Cargill-Sherman said Swaby remains a contributor despite stepping away from the sidelines.

“Today, coach Swaby, son of deceased basketball coach Randolph Swaby, longtime coach of the then Warriors basketball club, continues to make a meaningful contribution to the game,” she said. “He recently retired as head coach of the Bommer G Operators, however he remains very active in the club as he has taken on the role of assistant coach to the young and vibrant Donnie Culmer.”

Bahamian women’s basketball has risen to national prominence in recent years with a number of milestone achievements.

Yolett McPhee-McCuin became the first Bahamian head coach to lead a Division I college basketball programme and followed by leading the Bahamas to its first Caribbean Basketball Confederation Championship.

Waltiea Rolle became the first Bahamian to play in the Women’s National Basketball Association and several collegiate basketball players, including Jonquel Jones, Lashann Higgs and Leashja Grant have garnered international acclaim for their contributions with Division I programmes.

Locally, Jurelle Nairn has spearheaded the creation of the Ballin’ By Da Beach Girls Basketball Camp, which has been a mainstay on the summer sporting calendar over the past six years.