Mayan Man Warriors – 2025 Ahmadiyya Youth Basketball U-22 Champions
by William Ysaguirre (Freelance Writer)
BELIZE CITY, Wed. Apr. 9, 2025
The Mayan Man Warriors won the Ahmadiyya Under-22 men’s basketball championship in the 10th annual Ahmadiyya Youth Basketball Tournament which culminated in championship finals at the Belize City Civic Center on Sunday, April 6, after 2 months of competition at the St. John’s College gymnasium.
In the finals, the Mayan Men edged past the Accelerate Titans in an action packed, competitive game that saw the score tied twice in the final minutes. The 2022 NSSSA MVP Keon Rowland struck twice from outside the circle and crammed in 4 alley-oop dunks for 29 pts, and Shane Pratt followed suit thrice outside the arc for 16 pts. The 2023 NSSSA MVP Harlem Noralez put up 6 pts, and Joshua Black tossed in a bucket for the winners.
Accelerate Titans – 2025 Ahmadiyya Youth Basketball U-22 Sub-Champions
Corey Garbutt and Antoine Warrior led the Titans with 16 pts each, and Jayden Sutherland posted 11 pts. Lebraun Reneau drained in a long trey to tie the score, 39-39, at the end of the 3rd quarter. Marquis Arnold and Tamron Brooks each threw in a bucket, as the score remained tied at 52-52 with 2:34 minutes left on the clock. Rowland was cramping up, and it was Pratt’s final baskets that put the Mayan Men over the top at the final buzzer.
The Mayan Man had qualified to the finals by eliminating the Dream Chasers, 42-39, in that morning’s first semifinal at the SJC gym. Rowland led the attack with 15 pts, Luis Sosa, Jr. and Noralez scored 9 pts each, and Pratt shot 6 pts.
Tashaun Dawson led the Dream Chasers with 11 pts, Tevaughn Dawson posted 9 pts, and Tyrell Garbutt put up 8 pts. Nigel Rampassard hit a long trey for 5 pts, Orson Lawrence added 3 pts at the charity stripe, and Kameron Heusner tossed in a bucket.
The Titans also advanced to the final by a 68-54 win over the Western Avenue Ballers in that morning’s second semifinal. Jayden Sutherland struck from outside the circle, as he led the Titan’s attack with 17 pts. Jalen Mahler and Corey Garbutt both followed suit, Mahler for 13 pts and Garbutt for 10 pts. Isaiah Martinez and Tamron Brook scored 5 pts each, and Jahren Rivers and Antoine Warrior shot 4 pts apiece.
Keon Rowland – Most Valuable Player
Joshua Westby led the Ballers with 24 pts, Kentrell Marshall posted 13 pts, and Rhejae Lainfiesta scored 6 pts. Drishaun Coffin netted 4 pts, Mark Jenkins added 3 pts, and Tarique Solis threw in a bucket. Kervis Tench chipped in a free throw.
William Black – Best Coach; and Jacob Leslie – BBF president
Belize Basketball Federation (BBF) president Jacob Leslie presented trophies and medals to the champions and sub-champions. Individual awards were presented for the skills contest held at the All-Star Game. 1st Place went to Ibari Magdaleno of “Round the Block”, and 2nd Place went to Harlem Noralez of Mayan Man. I.G. Ballers’ Farion Kingston won the 3-pointer shooting contest, and Jayden Garcia of the U-22 Falcons took 2nd Place. Keon Rowland of Mayan Man won the Most Valuable Player award, and Mayan Man coach William Black received the Best Coach award.