The initiative, which started in late June, has been gathering momentum, in terms of participants, and the last time I checked with one of the tournament coordinators he informed me that over 372 kids have enlisted in the program.

On Monday last the Cadet division of the program began their 2006 season with coach Fred Gabourel?s team winning over coach Tremett Perriott?s team by the score of 51-38. Stephen Smith led the winners with 17 points, followed by Stafford Young 12 points, while for Tremett?s team it was Daryl Richards scoring a game high 23 points.

On Tuesday night in the Junior circuit (U-21), it was coach Marshall Nunez?s selection getting by coach Tremett Perriott?s selection by the score of 65-57. Dave Apolonio was special for Nunez team as he scored 17 points, while Farron Louriano made coach Perriott proud by scoring a game high 23 points in the loss.

In the second game played that night, coach Matthew Smiling?s selection (Alpha) fell to coach Hugh Staine?s selection by the score of 70-65. Semi-pro player Ronald Rivers netted 22 points, followed by Andrew Staine 19 points for the Staine selection, while Travis Lennon scored a game high 25 points for Smiling?s team, followed by Orel Leslie and Gershom Rodriguez with 10 each.

The referees were Renold Bodden and Robert Vernon, assisted at the desk by Everton Turton and Everal Tablada.

From the desk we commend this effort by the Minister of Sports Cordel Hyde in conjunction with the NSC and the BBF. We acknowledge the effort and dedication of all the coaches, referees, desk officials, parents and players, who are making that sacrifice to ensure that basketball is played and played at a high level for years to come. From what I saw, the future for Belize basketball looks bright!!!