Action kicked off in the SCBBC Niel Thomas Summer League with Huntums Ghut beating Manners 19-17. Photo : Charlie Jackson/VINO

Neil Thomas (centre in plaid shirt) pictured with his Family, Hon. Julian Frazer (second left), members of the SCBBC, Ephraim Penn (Pres. BVIOC) along with Officials and Supporters launch the two week long league programme. Photo: Charlie Jackson/VINO

The match was an edge of your seat see saw affair with Manners missing a 2 pointer at the Buzzer which would hve squared the match up. Photo: Charlie Jackson/VINO

The League, which is named after Mr. Neil Thomas, who is the grandson of the late Sea Cows Bay pioneer Valerie O. Thomas, opened at the Multi Purpose Sports Complex after fears of inclement weather caused the switch from the uncovered court in Sea Cows Bay, was attended by all the players, some parents, the Thomas Family, Mr. Fraser and Ephraim Penn, President of the BVI Olympic Committee.

“More Parents need to come and show their support, not just for the Children, but also to show they care about the Community,” commented Fraser during his remarks. “The best way to keep the children off the streets is to occupy their minds with something they like.”

Fraser was also full of praise for the work of Unsung Hero, Milton McLean, who organises the league in conjunction with his committee and the SCBBC. Milton, though, is the driving force and not just because he always picks the players up in his Taxi and makes sure they get home. He has instilled discipline and a sense of purpose into many of the Youths and not just those from the 3rd District and as Fraser noted, “Wonderful things just don’t fall from the sky, so Milton McLean should be applauded and congratulated for what he has done. Two weeks of Basketball for you all to look forward to!”

Fraser has been a long-time fan and supporter of the game and was quick to seize upon the Honouree, Neil Thomas, when he heard McLean describing how good a player, a referee and a Coach he was. “I am surprised to hear how a good a player and a person Mr. Thomas is; I am thinking to recruit him to the Rebels!” Fraser also commended Thomas on his work in the Community. “It’s not just skills on the court that led to this Honour, but skills in life. We appreciate those skills and also the work you do throughout the Community.”

The Rebels do indeed need some new players, but Thomas remained tight lipped on Mr. Fraser’s proposal.

Before the first game, McLean and Vice President, Raymond “Chi-Chi” Fonseca made presentations to three newly accredited Referees. Rushawn Johnson, Kevon Lettsome and Devon Blaize all had successfully attended a course held by the SCBBC. Neil Thomas also received a plaque to commemorate the naming of the League in his honour.

The League then kicked off with an epic encounter between Manners from District 3 and Huntums Ghut in the Under 10’s. The team from District 5 raced into a 7 nil lead by the end of the first quarter, but then Manners pulled it back to take a 9-8 half time lead.

[slideshow]

The third quarter saw Huntums Ghut restore a 2 point advantage to reach the break 15-13 ahead. The fourth quarter was a see saw of attack and defense from both teams as they looked to secure victory. First Manners pulled themselves level at 17-17, then Huntums Ghut restored a two point margin, before with the fans going wild and the clock ticking down.

Both teams missed shots in the frenetic final seconds, before as the Buzzer sounded Manners missed a crucial two pointer that would have tied the score giving Huntums Ghut a 19-17 victory.