One of the biggest sporting events in Cayman Brac this year occurred last weekend when the Cayman Islands National Basketball U-16 and Men’s Teams visited. Drawing more than 100 spectators into the Cayman Brac High School compound an filing the 6 sets of portable bleachers along the court, plus having cars pull-off the road next to the court for a few minutes on and off during the night to catch a glimpse of all the action. In attendance were MLA Julianna O’Connor Conolly and District Commissioner Ernie Scott, both of whom gave a few remarks before the crowd and players to set the stage for an action-packed night.
The crowd didn’t need to wait long to see what the National Teams brought to the Brac when the Men’s National Team gave a training demonstration lead by National Coach Victor O’Garo to leave the crowd of spectators in awe and wanting more. First up of the night were the Cayman National U-16 boys up against a Brac Select U-16 from the CBHS. At the start of play Cayman pressed the Brac boys hard, this continuous pressing did very little to settle their nerves and found themselves making mistakes after mistakes that resulted in Cayman taking a huge lead of 19 – 0 in the first quarter. Brac coach Flynn Bush calmed his team down a bit and continued to rotate fresh players into the game every few minutes and eventually the Brac U-16 scored their first two points with a standing ovation and cheering from the home crowd. Cayman soon withdrew their pressing of the ball when defending to let the game flow a bit better and give the Brac boys some space and time to make plays and score some well needed baskets. The game finished at 43 – 8 in favor of the National U-16 with the crowd giving both teams a standing ovation and feeling very proud of their home side for their efforts and commitment. High point scorers were Bruce Thompson with 12 points and Raheem Robinson with 10.
‘I told our boys before the game to go out there and enjoy this special occasion, you’ll look back at tonight 10 years from now and want know that you totally enjoyed every moment and learnt all you could from that one night,’ said Brac Sports Instructor Mitchum Sanford.
The final game of the night saw the Cayman National Men showcase their talents in an exhibition friendly environment against a Brac Select Men’s team. The National Basketball Coach Mr. O’Garo would lead the Cayman contingent and Flynn Bush would lead the Brac in what would be perhaps the best entertainment seen in Cayman Brac ever. Cayman got off to a quick start leading the game 12 – 0 before the Brackers could make their first basket, again like the first game the crowd lit-up with loud cheering and applause for the home team every time they scored against Cayman. Coach O’Garro would inform the Cayman team when and where to turn up the heat or pace of the game as to not totally dominate and give the Brac some space to make their plays and attempts for points. But turning down the heat still wasn’t easy as they were constantly rejected with blocks from a bigger Cayman team, so the Brac heavily relied on Jelani Grady their three-point shooter to keep them afloat. Jelani scored 4 three-pointers of the night closing in on Cayman’s Antonio Thompson with 6 three-pointers and the high point scorer of 18 on the night. The National team showed their superior fitness, skill and all-round knowledge of the game to the Brac spectators to win the game 89 – 36. Other notable performances were Collin Anglin with 17 points and Dwight O’Garro with 16. ‘A truly entertaining night for those in attendance,’ said Sanford. ‘I think at the conclusion of the event in having spoken with a few members of SASI, Coach O’Garo and some spectators, our objective of showcasing our National talent, bring harmony, friendship, love, entertainment and helping in the development of our basketball program was achieved. On behalf of the Brac community we wish the National Men’s team success as they journey to Greece and compete in the 2007 Island Games later this month.’
Sanford thanked the following: ‘District Administration, SASI, CBHS, Cadet Corps, PWD, CAL, Brac International Travel, Carib Sands, CB Car Rental, Kirkconnell Ltd, Popo Jeb’s Pizza, CIBA, Dept Youth & Sports, National Basketball Coach Victor O’Garo, Flynn Bush, Alvin Bryan, Jun Gazzingan, Fernando Ebanks, Andrew Ryan, Cayman Islands U-16 and Men’s National Teams members and coaching staff, Cayman Brac Select U-16 & Men’s Teams members, parents, guardians, spectators and the Lord God Almighty by which all things are possible.’
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