The Virgin Gorda Bayside Blazers rebounded from defeat the night before to beat St Kitts 55-54 at the Battle of the Fittest (BOTF) Tournament in Dutch St Maarten on July 17, 2024. Photo: Team of Reporters

At one point VG Bayside Bayside Blazers were down some 17 points but they worked their way back to win by one point, with a final score of 55 to St Kitts' 54. Photo: Team of Reporters

Tortola's Skillful Ballers coached by Rodney Simmons aka ‘Gola’ won against Haiti in the game played on July 16, 2024. Photo: Team of Reporters

Skillful Ballers had a score of 65 to Haiti’s 60. Photo: Team of Reporters

The game against St Kitts was a rough one as Bayside Blazers is the only team to play four games back-to-back in the 2024 Battle of the Fittest (BOTF) Tournament now going on in Dutch St Maarten (July 14-20, 2024).

The games are being played at the LB Scott Sports Auditorium in Philipsburg, the capital city of Dutch St Maarten.

Amazing come-back

Team Virgin Gorda Bayside Blazers coached by Brian S. Brewley aka ‘Bash’ came out a bit slow but, knowing it was a do-or-die for the team, they got their game on and hustled the ball to a win. At one point they were down some 17 points but they worked their way back to win by one point, with a final score of 55 to St Kitts' 54.

The top scorer in the game against St Kitts was Raheem E. Carter with 19 points followed by [British] Virgin Islands (VI) Superstar Norville S. Carey aka ‘Banana’ with 14 points and Virgin Gordian Kimani T. Stevens with 7 points.

Tortola's Skillful Ballers defeat Haiti

Meanwhile, the other VI Team representing Tortola, Skillful Ballers coached by Rodney Simmons aka ‘Gola’ won against Haiti in the game played on July 16, 2024. Skillful Ballers had a score of 65 to Haiti’s 60.  

The VG Bayside Blazers have now advanced to the championship from its bracket, with one final game set to take place on Saturday, July 20, 2024, when the winner takes it all.

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