Bayside Blazers are the defending champions of the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League. The league bounces of on August 15, 2015 at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff's Bottom. Photo: VINO/File

Mr Byron J. 'Chucky' Hodge is the new Assistant Commissioner of the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League. He replaces Mr Milton C. McLean. Photo: VINO/File

The Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed League, which has quickly risen to popularity since its inception in 2013, has the endorsement of the BVI Basketball Federation, along with many basketball players, corporate VI and basketball fans throughout the territory. Photo: VINO/File

One of the founders of the league Hon Julian Fraser RA at one of the games in 2013. Photo: VINO/File

The basketball action will run until Sunday November 1, 2015.

There will be an opening ceremony, along with the awarding of rings to the 2014 Championship Team Bayside Blazers, and the presentation of trophies to players and teams in different categories. The championship rings have been sponsored by Digicel (BVI) Limited.

The league, which has quickly risen to popularity since its inception in 2013, has the endorsement of the BVI Basketball Federation, along with many basketball players, corporate VI and basketball fans throughout the territory.

Byron J. Hodge new Asst Commissioner

In a press release to media houses, the League announced that Mr Byron J. 'Chucky' Hodge has joined its committee as the Assistant Commissioner of the League. He replaces Mr Milton C. McLean.

“Mr Hodge comes to the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League Committee with a vast amount of experience and basketball knowledge, having also served as the President of the BVI Basketball Federation for four (4) years,” the press release stated.

“I wouldn’t say that I am coming to reinvent the wheel. The Save the Seed League has been very successful for the past couple of years. So it is just a matter of joining a board to be a part of something that has the potential to be great. I wouldn’t say that I am bringing so much to the table. I will pay attention, just watch along and see how we could enhance the league and further basketball in this territory,” Hodge told Virgin Islands News Online.

Hon Fraser optimistic

Meanwhile, Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA, who with Mr John I Cline founded the league, said it is with high anticipation and a deep sense of pride that he welcomes Mr Byron J. Hodge to the League.

“Mr Hodge comes with a wealth of organisational skills together with the respect of the youth in this sport, which are all qualities designed perfectly for taking our League to the next level.”

Hon Fraser said he was looking forward with great anticipation for a well-run and maturing League in 2015 which will bring all the expectations of both fans and players to fruition.

“I wish to commend my partner in the League Bishop John I. Cline for his wisdom and cooperation in making this league possible and thank the committee, the players and our sponsors as we embark on this our third season.”

Registration

Registration for the 2015 League will begin on April 1, 2015 and close on July 1, 2015 for both senior and junior teams. Basketball teams can call the Commissioner Rajah A. Smith at 340-1546 or Assistant Commissioner Hodge at 542-8300 for roster applications.

Before the 2015 season starts, the League will also meet with team owners, managers, captains, coaches and referees to confirm rules and the League’s by-laws.

About the League

The Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League was founded in 2013 by Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA, and founder of the Save the Seed Energy Centre Bishop John I. Cline. They now serve as the Directors of the League.

Both Hon Fraser and Bishop Cline have a long history of working and supporting youth territory-wide and see the basketball league as just another outlet to provide sportsmanship, discipline, and healthy living for young people.

The other members of the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League Committee are: Julian Willock, Chairman; Gloria A. Mactavious, Secretary; Charles L. Forbes, Operations and Facility Manager; David A. Abednego, Legal Counsel; Jacqueline Williams-Nathaniel, Treasurer and Sharlene S. David, Member.