The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamian connection with the British Columbia Prep Panthers continues to deliver a series of impressive performances as the programme establishes itself as a pipeline for local talent.

The Panthers - with Joshua Dames, Bradley Lightbourne, D’Ante Dean and Kendrick Russell on their roster - scored a pair of wins over Okanagan College last weekend.

In game one, an 87-60 win, Dames scored a game high 17 points on a perfect shooting night from the field. He finished 6-6 from the field, including 4-4 from three-point range. He also added four assists and three steals.

Dean finished with 10 points and six rebounds, Lightbourne finished with nine points, five rebounds and four assists while Rusell added five points.

In game two, the Panthers won 115-86 led by Dames’ 31 points, four assists and four steals. He shot 9-15 from the field and was 7-12 from three-point range. Lightbourne finished with a triple double - 13 points, 11 rebounds and a career high 15 assists while Dean added 10 points and seven rebounds.

Dames and Lightbourne were the latest Bahamians to the Panthers at the institution in British Columbia, Canada.

Dames, the former Tabernacle Baptist Falcon and junior national team standout, said his decision was based on the success rate of the programme and having fellow Bahamians along for the experience.

“It was just me thinking about doing what was best for me. I take shots when I need to take them but I love getting my teammates involved and my goal will be trying to lead the Lions to a prep school national championship.” he said in the offseason.

“[BC Prep] would be a great fit for me knowing that I have top-notch Bahamian players in the country like Bradley joining me there so it’ll make my transition easier. would also be a cultural benefit because I can talk like myself and be myself so it will make things more fun and help the transition be more smooth.”

Both players were All-Tournament selections at the 2019 National High School Basketball Championships.

“While others were partying I was working on my game, constantly working and getting up shots,” Lightbourne said. “The decision wasn’t hard but it took a while for [my family and me] to make a decision because other schools were giving me offers.”

BC Prep last played in the Bahamas last November at the inaugural Caribbean Tip-Off Classic.

Panthers head coach Doug Dowell said the programme is excited on what the new additions can bring.

“I wanted to have Joshua with us last year. He would have been a missing piece for our squad. I believe with hard work Joshua could go somewhere. He will be challenged this year and that will force him to get better.” Dowell said.

“Bradley has a huge upside and I believe the competition and environment will really help him. He seems to be the perfect fit for this programme and hopefully, his adjustment period will be short and he will be able to perform right away. The future is bright in the Bahamas.”

The school’s recruitment of Bahamians has been highlighted by Sammy Hunter currently in his freshman season with the Ole Miss Rebels.

“The Bahamians are a great fit for our programme as we are a Christian school and programme so most of the kids from Nassau and Freeport already have that foundation coming in. So the biggest challenge has been the distance and my ability to get there to watch them live,” Dowell said.

“I believe the biggest thing that helps these boys is the competitive environment they are in. The acceptance of nothing less than excellence forces them to improve their game in order to play. We are really hard on the guys about their understanding of how the game is played and how to take advantage of defensive mistakes and weaknesses. They become more efficient and learn to play the game more effectively not just depending on their athleticism.”

BC Christian Prep is a club programme that is designed to have the top players from BC, Canada and around the world come to one destination and train daily with each other so that they can glean from the competitive atmosphere and become better players.

BC Christian Prep also provides top-level Canadian and American game schedules that will enhance the exposure of our players to top CIS, NAIA, NJCCA, and NCAA programmes.