The Tribune

NEW Lively Hope Baptist Church was crowned the winners of the Bahamas Baptist Association’s inaugural Basketball Tournament.

Although only four teams participated, the competition was fierce from the opening jump ball to the final whistle blown on Saturday at the Anatol Rodgers Gymnasium.

When it was said and done, New Lively Hope, coached by Michaelangelo Cartwright, emerged as the champions with a 34-14 win over Faith United, coached by Harrison Thompson.

Derico Taylor, named the most valuable player, scored six points to lead New Lively, who also got nine from Jaynaz Pratt. Aui Robinson also scored six.

In the other games played, Faith United def. Judaea 35-21.

Faith United 29,

New Bethlehem 28:

Anton Francis erupted for a game high 14 points, including three three-pointers and Jermaine McPhee had seven in the win as Faith United advanced to the final. Jamal Miller had eight and Greco Wilson chipped in with seven in a losing effort, but it wasn’t enough as New Bethlehem got eliminated.

New Lively Hope 34,

Faith United 14:

Jaynaz Pratt came up with a game high 14 points and Oben Dalestin added seven to pull off the win to send New Lively Hope into the final.

Jermaine McPhee scored six and Joshua Sweeting had four as Faith United suffered their first loss.

New Bethlehem 25,

Judaea 21:

Greco Wilson had a game high 12 points and Jamal Miller had five, while Deangelo Rolle contributed another four in the win. Dwayne Smith and Lorenzo Rolle both scored five in Judaea’s second loss to be eliminated.

New Lively Hope 32,

New Bethlehem 29:

Derico Taylor canned 12 points and Oben Dalestin had six in the win.

Greco Wilson poured in a game high 13 points and both Theo Cleare and Deangelo Rolle chipped in with four in New Bethlehem’s first loss.

Faith United 35,

Judaea 21:

Anton Francis exploded for a game high 16 points, including a pair of three-pointers and Jermaine McPhee added eight. Joshua Forbes scored six and Lorenzo Rolle added five in Judaea’s first loss.

The tournament, organised by Rev. Samantha Cartwright, was the first of its kind and is expected to set the stage for other sporting events to follow.