Virgin Gorda Bayside Blazers started their campaign in the Ninth Annual ‘Battle of the Fittest’ (BOTF) Basketball League with a win against Dominican Republic at the LB Scott Sports Auditorium in Philipsburg last evening, July 14, 2024. Photo: BOTF/Facebook

From left: Shamarr A. George and Dione M. Blyden, VG Bayside Blazers trainer Trevor M. Stevens, and top scorer Norville S. Carey at the Ninth Annual ‘Battle of the Fittest’ (BOTF) Basketball League in Philipsburg. Photo: Team of Reporters

VG Bayside Blazers’ Raheem E. Carter and Anthony J. Smith at the Ninth Annual ‘Battle of the Fittest’ (BOTF) Basketball League in Philipsburg. Photo: Team of Reporters

From right: Head Coach Brian S. Brewley with assistant Coach Derrick R. Varlack and player Kimani T. Stevens at the Ninth Annual ‘Battle of the Fittest’ (BOTF) Basketball League in Philipsburg. Photo: Team of Reporters

Virgin Gorda Bayside Blazers defeated Dominican Republic 87-76 in the opening game of the Ninth Annual ‘Battle of the Fittest’ (BOTF) Basketball League in St Maarten on July 14, 2024. Photo: Team of Reporters

VG Bayside Blazers will come up against USA from 8:00 PM today, Monday, July 15, 2024. Photo: Team of Reporters

Team Virgin Gorda Bayside Blazers coached by Brian S. Brewley aka ‘Bash’ came out of the gate hitting, with point guard Anthony J. Smith controlling the ball as the floor general. From the start of the game, the VG Bayside Blazers led the game with at least 10 to 15 points ahead.

The final score was VG Bayside Blazers 87 and the Dominican Republic 76.

Throughout the game, VG Bayside Blazers dominated, with heavy hitters like Norville S. Carey aka ‘Banana’ and Shamarr A. George aka ‘Shumba’, both from Tortola and Virgin Gorda respectively.

The top scorers were Carey with 17 points, Raheem E. Carter with 16, and George with 15 points.

VG Blazers vs USA tonight!

Tonight July 15, 2024, at 8:00 PM, VG Bayside Blazers will take on Team USA in its biggest game yet and on Tuesday, July 16 the Blazers will take on St Maarten. 

Meanwhile, the other team from the Virgin Islands (Tortola), Skillful Ballers coached by Rodney Simmons aka ‘Gola’, easily defeated St Eustatius with a score of 81-76.

The VG Bayside Blazers, owned and managed by Julian Willock, is being sponsored by Biras Creek Resort (Platinum Sponsor). Other contributors include Skelton Group of Companies, Hon. Lorna G. Smith, OBE, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley, Nagico Insurances, Clive L. McCoy, Ephraim E. Penn, Cliff W. Williams, and Northam Construction.

The Ninth Annual Battle of the Fittest Basketball (BOTF) Tournament runs from July 14 to July 20, 2024.