The Anguilla Amatuer Basketball Association (AABA) opened its annual tournament on Friday February 19th on the Valley Basketball Court to a good crowd.

Basketball players set for competition

Newly-appointed Minister of Sports, Mr. Evan Gumbs, gave remarks to launch the tournament. He assured the players that as a past player he understands the damage that playing on a concrete court could do and he would work hard to push to build the Basketball Stadium that was to be in the making years ago. Minister Gumbs also urged the players to do their best. Following his speech the Minister tried to shoot a 3 point shot.

Mr. Rollins Richardson also spoke on behalf of the Sports Department. He said the Department was proud to see that the youths were once again getting themselves involved in positive things and that the sport of Basketball was once again being revived.
Ms Anguilla, Sangrena Harris, gave the vote of thanks.

The opening ceremony included a 3 point shoot out which Rowemain Carty, a player of Xmen, won for the second consecutive year. There was also a knockout competition won by Shottaz.

Other players set for competition

The Saturday games were cancelled due to inclement weather and are rescheduled for later this week. The first match for the tournament was Xmen vs Youngsters on Sunday evening. The Xmen were victorious with a 23 point lead, 69 – 46.

The tournament, this year, witnesses 8 teams vying for the championship title. The teams are Youngsters, Marlins, Hoyas, Shottaz, Xmen, Philipinas, Hard Knox, and High School. The High School team is a collaboration of players from the various school houses. The High School basketball Tournament ended on Thursday February 18th.

Minister Evan Gumbs congratulating player

The Tournament is scheduled to conclude on May 2nd following the play offs.
The AABA is headed by President Jason Hodge. Also on the board are Acting Vice President - Rowemain Carty, Treasurer - Shayne Thompson and Temporary Public Relations Officer – Shindell Carty.

| Printer-friendly page | Send this article to a friend |

World News