The Virgin Islands BD Basketball U-15 and U-17 teams will be competing in the Little Lads and Lassies Tournament in Ponce, Puerto Rico this weekend. Photo: Supplied

Franklyn Penn Jnr. was in good form during the Summer League and will be hoping that continues during the Puerto Rico Tournament. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The Virgin Islands BD Basketball Association  had conducted its 4^th Annual District League earlier this year and the best players from within that tournament were selected to attend a rigorous training programme with some of the territory’s best Coaches- Trevor “West” Stevens, Keith “88” Malone, Jasin Edwin and Kennedy Bass.

Having been impressed with the skill level, determination and desire to improve displayed by the Squads as well as in the view of the Coaches the ability to compete at higher levels; the Association accepted the invitation to compete at the prestigious tournament.

Two squads have been selected, one at U-15 and one at U-17.

U-15’s – Danta Vanterpool, Akeem Nibbs, Jasin Rhymer, Terique Wattley, Jomoiri Dagou, Tahj Malone, Gianni Maduro, Rhevaun Sprauve, Stephon Caul, Neville Smith Jr, Hakeem Penn,  D’Moi Hodge.

Coach: Brian “Bash” Brewley; Asst. Coach; Jasin Edwin, Manager; Bryant Thomas.

U-17’s Mackebo Fahie, J’Moi Liburd, Franklyn Penn Jr, Kimron Telemaque, Romain Minott Jr, Glenal Layne, Tyler Cameron Jr, Nathan Rodney, Relando Rodgers, Reiquan Fahie, Colen Corea Jr, Albert Hatchett.

Coach:Trevor “West” Stevens, Asst. Coach’s: Keith “88”Malone and Gertrude Thomas, Manager: Kennedy Bass

Also travelling with the teams will be Sharlene Hill and Carolann Simmonds as Chaperones.

The games will be streamed live and can be viewed on http://www.prlittlelads.ihigh.com.

Puerto Rico Little Lads & Lassies Basketball Inc. is an organization that serves the children of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. In recent years they have held a Regional basketball tournament across the island which has grown to now include more than 8,000 participants from 6 to 18 years, representing more than 60 organizations of children's and youth basketball.

Additionally, a Women's basketball Little Lassies programme for girls from 9 to 19 years has been developed. It involves more than 40 teams, more than 700 participants representing more than 14 child basketball clubs and youth in Puerto Rico.

The philosophy of the League has been of great impact for the development of participating children, since it is a requirement that all play at least a game period, this allows all to develop and feel important to their teams, leaders have responsibility to train and work with all their players in each practice and to achieve greater assistance of parents in every game played.