The opening night of the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League on August 15, 2015 witnessed a full house of fans at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom. Photo: VINO

Spartans. Photo: VINO

Bayside Blazers. Photo: VINO

Knights. Photo: VINO

Z6ne 6 Ballers. Photo: VINO

Avengers (in black). Photo: VINO

West Gunners. Photo: VINO

Real Tool (in yellow). Photo: VINO

A Z6ne 6 Ballers player goes unchallenged for a layup during the clash with Spartans on August 15, 2015. Photo: VINO

Pastor Albert O. Wheatley makes his shot good on the second attempt from the free throw line to signal the start of the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed League. Hon Julian Fraser RA (behind) looks on. Photo: VINO

Jayne Gray of Digicel presents a trophy to a youngster for his exploits in the 2014 Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed League. Photo: VINO

Members of the Bayside Blazers team receive the 2014 Championship Trophy from wife of Hon Julian Fraser RA, Mrs Kharid Fraser. Photo: VINO

Fans were entertained by thrilling action between defending champs Bayside Blazers and Knights. Here we see Jevon K. Serrant of Knights going for a layup. Photo: VINO

Jason A. Edwin & Rennie O. Phipps of Bayside Blazers shared the honour for Best Coach. Making the presentation is wife of Hon Julian Fraser RA, Mrs Kharid Fraser. Left is Assistant Commissioner of the League Byron J. Hodge. Photo VINO

Hon Julian Fraser RA giving remarks at the opening of the 3rd Annual Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed League on August 15, 2015. Seat at head table, from left, are Pastor Albert O. Wheatley who represented Bishop John I. Cline, Paul A. Hewlett and Assistant League Commissioner Byron J. Hodge. Photo: VINO

Another section of the crowd at the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed League opening on August 15, 2015. Photo: VINO

Run it Red. Photo: VINO

Not only were they not disappointed with the two exciting opening games but they were showered with words of appreciation for their committed support to basketball in the Virgin Islands by founder of the League, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3).

Hon Fraser congratulated the fans, especially the loyal fans who he said come out every game night to support the players.

The League founder also said the tournament and facility offer a wonderful opportunity for families to come out and spend time together.

Recalling hearing the vision of Bishop John I. Cline for the Save the Seed Energy Centre a few years ago, Hon Fraser said he thought he should do everything possible to help make that vision come through and thus the collaboration between the two for the now growing League.

He also said he hopes this year’s League will be better than last year’s.

Meanwhile, appreciation was also extended to the League Committee headed by Chairman Mr Julian Willock and which includes Commissioner Rajah A. Smith and Assistant Commissioner Byron J. Hodge.

Hon Fraser also recognised the work of former Assistant Commissioner Mr Milton C. McLean.

He described the current League Committee as a talented and experienced one, especially now with the inclusion of Mr Hodge.

The other members of the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League Committee are: Gloria A. Mactavious, Secretary; Patricia Daway, Facilities Manager; David A. Abednego, Legal Counsel; Jacqueline Williams-Nathaniel, Treasurer; Walter D. Barrett, Security Coordinator and Sharlene S. David, Member.

Presentation of rings & trophies

The opening ceremony was highlighted with the presentation of the Digicel-sponsored championship rings to 2014 champions Bayside Blazers and the awarding of trophies to several junior and senior players as well as coaches.

Then there was the roll call of teams for the 2015 League where fans were able to see who are the faces for the various sides.

Wins for West Gunners & New Heights

Meanwhile, West Gunners and New Heights started their campaign in the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed League with convincing wins when play continued at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom on Sunday August 16, 2015.

West Gunners, through a game high 30 points from Dmor Hodge and a heroic defensive display from Ray Victor, defeated Warrias 108-58.

In the second game of the evening, New Heights overcame Pure Playaz 98-72 despite a game high 32 from Ruben Reyes of Pure Playaz.

Leading the way for New Heights were D. Richardson (21 points), K. Young (19 points) and Dean Smith (19 points)

The 2015 League is thus far sponsored by Digicel (BVI), Nagico Insurances, Nanny Cay Hotel and Marina, First Caribbean International Bank, BVI Olympic Committee, National Bank of the Virgin Islands and Caribbean Insurances Ltd.

See results from the weekend games below

 New Heights 98 vs Pure Playaz 72