The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE Noble Preparatory Academy Spartans recently completed one of its traditional visits to Canada, which included school tours and a successful tournament title defence.

The Spartans won the Division II title at the 22nd Annual Carl Dorland hosted by Ridley College in Ontario, Canada. A total of 24 teams participated in the two-day event – 12 senior teams and 12 junior teams competing in 42 games at Ridley’s Fieldhouse and Griffith Gym.

The tournament provides NPA with an opportunity to compete against international competition as a travelling team without playing in much tournaments or leagues locally.

NPA has established academic ties with the Ridley, Niagara College and Brock University among others in Canada.

Geno Bullard, president of NPA, often cites the trip as a bonding experience for his team while also exposing them to educational opportunities through basketball.

The team also visited Niagara College where they took a campus tour and gained some insight to tertiary education while also interacting with NPA alumni currently on the roster for the Knights.

Van Hutchinson Jr, Kevin Cooper and Jordan Wilson currently have the Knights as one of the leading teams in their conference at an 8-1 record.

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.

The school hosted an international tournament showcase of its own back in April.

The tournament drew some international interest as David Whitty, the director of basketball and varsity coach as well as Gerry Piovesana, the junior boys coach from Ridley College in Canada, were in attendance. Two referees, Paul Lewin and Curits McClean, also came in from Canada to officiate.

Bahamian players have been integral in the programmes for both institutions. Marako Lundy, Delroy Grandison and Tenero Lundy have led the Niagra Knights to consecutive playoff berths while Shamarr Burrows and Livingston Bromwell have led the Ridley Tigers to an historic championship season.

“We’re a team that strive more on our education. That is why we don’t play in too many tournaments,” Bullard said. “All of our players are earning 3.0 and above grade point averages and we’re trying to get as many of them off to school as we can so that they can further their education.”

The tournament also included career planning sessions to assist players with life choices after basketball.

“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.”

Bullard is also the international recruiter for the entire Caribbean region for Niagra College.

“Having a full scope of being on the ground and being a part of those institutions I fully understand what is demanded by a prep school, a college or a university and I am able to impart that knowledge to these kids and their parents,” he previously stated.

“It is all about creating a total package - a student that is confident in his education, confident in his athletic ability and to be able to present his self in a professional manner.”

The players on the tour also took in the January 15 matchup between the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre.