Club President, coaches, trainer and squad members from the MyIsland Ballers organisation descended on the Multi Purpose Sports Complex on Saturday December 19, 2015 for the latest in a series of pre season practices and workouts. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Basketball players from the [British] Virgin Islands have been selected to join the programme for the season and have all been putting in the hard yards on the practice courts to cement their positions in such a well structured organisation. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Some of the youngsters during practice sessions at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on Saturday December 19, 2016. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

A zero tolerance set up, in terms of discipline, the MyIsland Ballers have a tough task ahead to build the team chemistry, but so far it is so good, with all the players getting along and buying into the concept, which will ultimately help them reach their goals, both educationally and by playing ball at the highest levels possible. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Bregado Flax Educational Centre and St George’s High School will also be taking part in the IAA for 2016. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Also present was the Club President, Maurice Wells, on hand to watch as the 16 and Under team as well as the 19 and Under squad were put through their paces as part of the continued build up to the upcoming Amateur Athletic Union 2016 Basketball Season, which will see the teams, which are a combined Virgin Islands initiative, travel to the United States for competitive tournaments.

“We began in 2014, competition in two tournaments and actually won the 19 and Under title in 2015,” commented Wells. “This year we will have three age groups, 13 and Under, 16 and Under and 19 and Under.”

VI ballers invited

Basketball players from the [British] Virgin Islands have been selected to join the programme for the season and have all been putting in the hard yards on the practice courts to cement their positions in such a well structured organisation.

The 16 and under players from the VI are Corey Flax, Malachy S. Payne, K’Andre Clarke, Rakeel Jack, Ajai Frett, Renrick Massac Junior, K’Moi Walters and Michael Richardson.

The 19 and under ballers are D’Moi M. Hodge, Franklyn L. Penn Junior, Hakeem Penn, Glenal Layne, Trent Herbert, Tyler Cameron, Shaquille Lewis, Gianni Skelton, Shakeem Tyson and Jason Rhymer.

Books before ball!

“Our objective for the 19 and under team is to get them college or prep school ready. We will not be taking part in any competition that coaches don’t attend. We do realise not all our boys will make it, but that’s our minimum; to obtain free education. We instill in all our players to be student athletes and they all have to maintain a 2.7 GPA in order to stay an active club member. If they drop below that then we offer tutorship and do whatever we can to help them.”

A zero tolerance set up, in terms of discipline, the MyIsland Ballers have a tough task ahead to build the team chemistry, but so far it is so good, with all the players getting along and buying into the concept, which will ultimately help them reach their goals, both educationally and by playing ball at the highest levels possible.

“A lot of these players have dominated their local leagues and competition, but are weaker at the next level, so by combining players from each island, St John, St Thomas, BVI and St Croix, they will become even better, be able to showcase their skills in a competitive environment against stronger teams and be ready for the future.”

A one Virgin Islands set up

Through his activity with Elmore Stout High School and involvement in the St Thomas-St John Interscholastic Athletic Association, Derwyn Scatliffe, was in a prime position to see how beneficial the programme could be to his young charges.

“When we took part in the school basketball leagues last year we were approached by the Head Coach of the organisation, Rick Mayberry to send some boys to him and then it evolved into a one Virgin Islands set up. Now anyone who we consider good enough can be involved from which ever island they are from,” noted Scatliffe.

Basketball and Baseball have pioneered the attachment with the IAA and Scatliffe has plans in place to expand the links with other sports.

“Baseball played last year as did softball, but we started late so weren’t able to put a lot of things in place, but now that the track has re- opened, for example, St Thomas schools will come over here and we will have Inter School Track Meets. Soccer will also make an appearance and even Cheerleading for the girls.”

Bregado Flax Educational Centre and St George’s High School will also be taking part in the IAA for 2016.

MyIsland Ballers Inc is a non-profit organisation and Amateur Athletic Union Member providing extracurricular activities to young men of the Virgin Islands. This opportunity will allow the participants to interact outside of school and build solid relationships with old and new friends. This vision evolved from the members who formed the MyIsland Ballers Travel Team. The Travel Team has a proud tradition of providing recreational basketball opportunities to the adult males of the Virgin Islands. The goal is to bring players with the desire, dedication and talent together to play at a high level of competition. More importantly, the Travel Team has a positive impact on the lives of Virgin Islanders and the community.