The Tribune

By TENAJH SWEETING

Tribune Sports Reporter

tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

WITH the Caribbean Hoopfest 19-and under (19U) tournament scheduled for this weekend, the high school players from New York are excited to compete against the Bahamian teams.

Following their arrival on Wednesday, Team New York, Canarsie NYC, and Molloy-NYC all are ready to leave it all on the court August 19-20 at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium. The teams are presently staying at the Courtyard by Marriott Nassau Downtown/Junkanoo Beach ahead of their tourney.

Josh Powell, a 6 foot 5 guard from Archbishop Molloy High School, is looking forward to competing against the six Bahamian teams.

“I am just looking to win and grow as a player while helping my team to grow as well,” Powell said.

He added that the team’s preparation ahead of the tournament has been great because the players have been bonding together.

Although they are having fun they are being mindful as well because the goal is to handle business.

Sincere Folk, point guard of Archbishop Molloy, echoed the sentiments of his teammate in regards to this weekend’s tournament.

“My expectations are to just keep growing as a team to come out, win and to just dominate,” Folk said.

Overall, aside from basketball he was excited to enjoy the weather, culture and beaches in The Bahamas for the first time.

The Caribbean Hoopfest tournament’s Bahamas debut will see the three New York teams play against the CI Gibson Rattlers, Street Legends All-Stars (A and B), Raw Talent, and the 242 Ballers (Black and Blue).

Chase Beasley, point guard from Canarsie high school, will be looking forward to competitive matchups.

“I am looking forward to playing against good teams, great players, having fun, and winning…we play a little differently in New York because we play gritty and get right to it,” he said.

The point guard has had a delightful experience on the beaches and partook in some recreational activity at a local waterpark.

JP Maaba, of Archbishop Molloy high school, is looking forward to the exposure and improving his game in the 19U tournament.

“I feel like it is going to be different competition than I am used to which will help me to grow and improve my game and learn as a player,” he said.

Skyler Hopkins, one of the top ranked players from the Bronx, is looking to bring the best he has to the court this weekend.

“This is my first time competing internationally and I am looking to play my best and bring my skills and show what I got,” Hopkins said.

He added that the first couple days being in Nassau has been good and being on the trip with teammates is fun because it helps with on and off the court chemistry.

The first game of the 19U tournament will feature Team New York, NYC versus the Street Legends All-Stars B in Pool A at 1:45pm.

The championship game will be played at 8:30pm on Sunday.

The tickets are priced at $15.