The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

FOR the second consecutive year, Noble Preparatory Academy will continue one of its newest initiatives aimed at fostering the development of achievement both on the basketball court and in the classroom.

NPA is all set to host its Varsity Boys Spring Classic at Kendal Isaacs Gym March 16-18.

The tournament boasts an unprecedented award for its Most Valuable Player as they will qualify for a full scholarship to attend Niagara College in Ontario, Canada.

When the event was first announced, NPA President Geno Bullard said the invitational is intended to benefit our country’s youth through basketball, with an emphasis on mentoring and promoting educational success.

“We wanted to offer other student athletes that same opportunity that our NPA students are getting. We transfer our students directly to college every year. These players play all year but we want this tournament to be different because at the end of this journey, we want to be able to say that someone earned the opportunity to go to college for their expense and their hard work they put into winning. You play hard, you push your team to victory and we are going to provide you with the opportunity to go to college, on us,” he said. “This will be the first time someone externally from NPA gets this scholarship. We don’t just want them to walk away with a handshake and a trophy. The ultimate goal is to give them the opportunity at higher education.”

NPA has been able to provide over $200,000 in scholarships in five years and have transitioned an additional 167 students to Niagara College to obtain a college degree in seven years.

In the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2016, NPA defeated the RM Bailey Pacers in the championship game.

Kenneth Reckley was named the MVP after finishing with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Last year’s tournament also included career planning sessions to assist players with life choices after basketball.

This year, special invited coaches from Ridley College will conduct and camp and clinic.

Special guests from 2016 included Niagara head coach Keith Vassell and Ridley director of basketball operations David Witty.

Bullard said it is in keeping with the school’s theme – “When the game ends and the glory fades, educated students will be the ultimate winner.”

“Basketball is the backdrop, but it’s bigger than that and we want it to be more than just a tournament. We want to develop a true event that will enhance the players,” Bullard said.

“We have very talented basketball players but throughout the year we never bring these questions to the forefront and we never check them. What are the kids going to do once we concluded basketball season and once they graduate in June? We want everyone, the players and schools to be aware that once you come to NPA you are going to get quality basketball and you are going to get educational opportunities to find guidance. Come out and compete and through this effort we can foster a better relationship between our coaches and their players as it opens the dialogue to ensure their players are academically sound. We can play as many games as we want, but we have to open this dialogue. Maybe we can encourage other tournaments to do the same.”

In addition to being the founder and the president of the NPA, Bullard is also the international recruiter for the entire Caribbean region for Niagara College. NPA has academic ties with Ridley, Niagara and Brock University.

Bahamian players have been integral in the programmes for both institutions.

Several NPA alumni have benefitted from the programme and competed at high schools colleges and universities in Canada.

Van Hutchinson Jr, Jordan Wilson and Kevin Cooper are currently members of the Niagara Knights’ programme following the graduation of another Bahamian trio -Marako Lundy, Delroy Grandison and Tenero. Shamarr Burrows and Livingston Bromwell starred at Ridley College before moving on to the collegiate level.

For more information on the tournament, contact the organisers at gbullard@npabahamas.com