Young stars emerge at Annual COBY 3 on 3 Knockout Tournaments at Bird’s Isle

A number of new young faces emerged as promising basketball stars of the future at the annual COBY 3 on 3 Knockout basketball tournaments on Saturday, June 21, at Bird’s Isle. COBY Foundation, which is responsible for the annual tournament, is the brainchild of former 1970’s basketball star Evondale “Coby” Coburn, who directed the activities on Saturday and announced the winners of the various categories. Frankie “Bob” Rivers, on a day off from his airport job, handled the free refreshment stand all day, and on hand to present the prizes (including $25.00 cash gift certificates for 1st and 2nd place team members) was another Belize basketball star of the ‘70’s, Peter “Pistol Pete” August, back home on a visit from Brooklyn, New York.

“Hold your heads up, guys; you have all reason to be proud,” Coby exhorted the young prize recipients who were comfortable making their moves on the court in competition, but very shy and reluctant to speak their names and “play big” when given the opportunity to address the small gathering.

The U-12 MVP was Kordel Tench; U-14 MVP – Jurel Westby; and U-16 MVP – Derry Puerto.