BD Basketball brings together youths from various districts in early basketball action and will begin this Saturday January 11, 2014 in preparation for the District King League set for March 1, 2014. Photo: VINO/File

BD Basketball brings together youths from various districts in early basketball action and will begin this Saturday January 11, 2014 in preparation for the District King League set for March 1, 2014. Photo: VINO/File

Brian "Bash" Brewley and his BD crew are launching the BD Basketball District Drive from Saturday January 11, 2014 ahead of the District King League: Photo: VINO/File

One of the most successful youth sports programmes in the Territory, which is spearheaded by the hard working team of Brian “Bash” Brewley, Rhennie Phipps, Carolann Simmons, Sharlene Hill and Jason Edwin, as well as, several coaches, is now entering its 5th year and has plans to introduce a new age group for this year’s Championship, 5 to 7 year olds.

BD Basketball begins with a Primary School League and then progresses into a District Championship, with each tournament commencing with a series of “training sessions” held throughout the Island

This year will be no different with the District Drive beginning this weekend on Saturday January 11, 2014, on the Huntums Ghut Basketball Court from 10 a.m. to 11p.m. for all ages. The bandwagon then rolls onto the Lower Estate Basketball Court at11:30 to 12:30 p.m.

Next weekend the sessions move to the Long Look Basketball Court from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and then the East End Basketball Court from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. On Saturday January 25, 2014, action takes place on the Virgin Gorda Basketball court and then on Saturday February 1, 2014, the, Capoon's Bay Basketball Court from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

According to the organizers “Kids should be dressed with basketball sneakers and come ready to learn the basic fundamental of basketball in a fun, safe environment” and refreshments will be provided.

The Instructors for the sessions will be Jason Edwin, Rhennie Phipps, Brian Brewley, Bryant Thomas and Gertrude Thomas.

Gertrude of course was the most victorious Coach last time around as District 2 won the U-16 Division with a 47-41 win against District 5, with the League MVP award going to Romain Minott of the Champions.

Among the individual trophies are the Presidential Sportsmanship Awards, which the President noted, “are based on the way the players competed in all aspects of the game as well as talent and behavior.”

Stephen Caul, playing for District 9, took home the award in the U-16 Division, whilst in the Under 13’s, Donaldson Layne of District 8 was the recipient.

District 6 had of course won the U13 Championship with a 31-19 victory against District 5 and Sajwan France was named as overall League MVP. Team awards also went to Michael Richardson Junior of District 3, Rackelle Jack (District 4), Malique Wattley (5), Kyle Penn (8) and D’Moi Bradley (9).

In the Under 10’s, Elroy Bollers, who was also named League MVP, was the winner of the Presidential Sportsmanship Award and “Bash” reserved special comment for him. “He played with a whole different behavior pattern,” he said, “In previous years he seemed to be less of a team player, but now has become a leader.”

The Lakers had won the Championship, 17-15 win against Bollers and the Spurs, but each team in the league had an MVP appointed. For the Lakers it was Tyreice Carrasco, for the Hawks, Revaughn Garraway and for the Celtics, Sahjani France.

Individuals in the U-16 Division were also recognized for various categories including Most Points, which went to Caul. Neville Smith Junior took home the Most Rebounds Trophy as well as Most Blocks. Minott was awarded the Most Steals and Vedal Penn, Most Assists.