The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

Dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

DONELL Basden and Jordan Saunders, of Sunland Baptist Academy, yesterday signed a letter of intent to attend Butte College in California on a full-ride basketball scholarship.

Basden, a small forward and team captain, has won several MVP awards. He is ranked number one in basketball in The Bahamas. While Saunders, a point guard, is ranked number two.

The signing was held at the school, with the school principal, coaches and teammates looking on.

The Sunland Stingers have won two consecutive Hugh Campbell Basketball championships, as well as three consecutive Tip Off Classic GB Secondary Schools Association Basketball Championships.

After a very successful season, Basden and Saunders said all the hard work has paid off. “I want to start by giving God thanks because without Him I would not be here. I also want to thank Ms (Bonnie) Basden,” said Basden.

Saunders said it feels good to be a part of a winning team and a basketball programme.

“Three years at Sunland and multiple championships, it feels good just coming from the small island of Abaco,” he said. “Just playing basketball for the fun, I never really thought much of going to the next level. I feel blessed to get this opportunity to go to college on a full ride.”

Saunders was also grateful to Ms Basden, who took them into her home in Freeport so they could attend Sunland Baptist.

“She has been there for me, and I thank her...for being a second mother to me. So, I am truly thankful and love her for that,” he said. This Fall, they will join two of their former Stingers teammates, Alontae Knowles, a 2020 graduate, and Oswald Meadows, who now attend Butte College.

ZNS Broadcaster Jay Philippe, who is also one of their coaches, said Basden and Saunders are two of the top players in the country.

“We had a very successful year as far as basketball is concerned, he said.

“Donell would have had multiple offers as far as scholarship opportunities, but they selected Butte because of the friendship and relationship we had with the coaches over the past years,” he said.

Coach Marco Cooper, a senior master at Sunland, said both young men have made an awesome contribution to the basketball programne at Sunland.

He is proud of them and wishes them all the best.

“They came from the islands and are now living their dream and are about to attend college. This is a big deal for their families, for the school, and for them to be role models for other student-athletes coming up.”

Principal Devona Knowles said: “As a school, we are so happy to witness this moment. They have done extremely well, and we wish them all the best as they matriculate to California to continue their studies.”

Parent/Guardian Bonnie Basden, of House of Hoop and Dreams, congratulated Basden and Saunders, who lived with her for the past three to four years.

“It is truly a pleasure and blessing to watch these boys accomplish their dreams of going to play basketball at another level. I thank all the parents that have chosen SBA for their kids’ education. We are grateful to Butte for offering a full ride to these young men,” she said.

Mr Philippe, a former Stingers player himself from 2004 to 2006 who also obtained a college scholarship, said it is a good feeling to return home and give back.

“Helping other guys achieve their dreams is just a calling from God for me, he said. So many people would have sacrificed time for me, and I think it is my time to go and do the same thing. It is just a good feeling knowing I can give back to the community, my former school, and to the guys that have trusted me with their lives and helped them develop their skills as basketball players,” he said.