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Disappointment: Tola crushed 67-88 by USVI in King of the Courts finale

The joyous US Virgin Islands, the winners of the 2024 King of the Courts Caribbean Championships. Left is organiser Steve E. Parillon and 2nd from left is Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7). Photo: CM Farrington Photography
The highly skilled basketballer Khalid S. Gerard of the USVI was named MVP of the 2024 King of the Courts Caribbean Championships. Photo: CM Farrington Photography
The highly skilled basketballer Khalid S. Gerard of the USVI was named MVP of the 2024 King of the Courts Caribbean Championships. Photo: CM Farrington Photography
Despite lacking a full bench, the USVI played their hearts out to retain their title at the 2024 King of the Courts Caribbean Championships with victory over Tola on April 7, 2024. Photo: CM Farrington Photography
Despite lacking a full bench, the USVI played their hearts out to retain their title at the 2024 King of the Courts Caribbean Championships with victory over Tola on April 7, 2024. Photo: CM Farrington Photography
Khalid S. Gerard of the USVI in action at the 2024 King of the Courts Caribbean Championships on April 7, 2024. Photo: CM Farrington Photography
Khalid S. Gerard of the USVI in action at the 2024 King of the Courts Caribbean Championships on April 7, 2024. Photo: CM Farrington Photography
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Multi-Purpose Sports Complex was packed last evening, Sunday, April 7, 2024 as the Virgin Islands (VI) fans came out in numbers to see their hometown team, Tola, take on defending champions US Virgin Islands (USVI) in the grand finale of the 2024 King of the Courts Caribbean Championships.

Fans were excited, with big names on the Tola squad like former Los Angeles Lakers' player D’Moi M. Hodge. All bets were that Tola would have pulled it off but it was not meant to be.

The USVI led by Khalid S. Gerard played their hearts out, despite lacking a full bench. To the disappointment of the VI fans, the hometown team was crushed 67-88.

The game got away from team Tola in the third quarter and despite powerhouse players like Hodge and a fly-in coach, they were not able to regain the lead. Another of the Tola team's key complement was Ray D. Victor, who could not play because of an injury.

While many fans have their own opinions as to why Tola did not lift the title, the home side still played with much skill and passion but seem to have lost their momentum at the beginning of the fourth quarter.

VI fans hopes crushed

With some six minutes left in the fourth quarter, frustrated fans started to leave the Sports Complex as their hopes and dreams of seeing the Tola team pull it off this year were dashed.

The King of the Courts Tournament was organised and promoted by Steve E. Parillon, a basketball player, teacher and businessman. There were some 6 teams participating in the competition including from Virgin Gorda, St Kitts, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Sint Maarten and the now 2024 Champions USVI.

With the BVI Basketball Federation in a state of  confusion over an election date, it is unclear when the next basketball league will commence.

51 Responses to “Disappointment: Tola crushed 67-88 by USVI in King of the Courts finale”

  • rock (08/04/2024, 12:08) Like (12) Dislike (55) Reply
    The superstar had need to stay America
    • @ rock (08/04/2024, 18:10) Like (22) Dislike (5) Reply
      I Bet the superstar still have more money than you , yall some serious badmind and hatefull people around here!
    • @rock (08/04/2024, 20:41) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
      The comments are condescending and very unfortunate. I think we might have forgotten that the strength of a team is not one individual.

      We need to continue to encourage our youths to strive for excellence even when there are setbacks.

      To Hodge and the other team members, we'll done. Use the last game to formulate your strategy and come back stronger.
  • Lakers (08/04/2024, 12:08) Like (12) Dislike (55) Reply
    That’s why we had to let him go
  • jr (08/04/2024, 12:09) Like (14) Dislike (55) Reply
    Good thing Lakers didn’t take him
  • WOWWWW (08/04/2024, 12:12) Like (11) Dislike (49) Reply
    Reallly disappointed Mr hodge let the BVI down all talk let’s she what his mama got to say
  • Parsons (08/04/2024, 12:14) Like (14) Dislike (20) Reply
    He to big headed he hogged the ball and did not give his team a chance he think he’s that b**** and he really not Penn son had need to be the star if we keeping it real
  • red man (08/04/2024, 12:15) Like (5) Dislike (10) Reply
    We win at everything bvi go sit down my own family want me dead & crazy Cindy what you got to say now
  • ... (08/04/2024, 12:16) Like (24) Dislike (3) Reply
    Steve has came a long way
  • hello (08/04/2024, 12:17) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
    BVI team need training government only focus on who making a name for the bvi we all know who that it is invest in other people
  • please (08/04/2024, 12:18) Like (24) Dislike (27) Reply
    Mr hodge was grieving ayu Stop it that was his excuse for how weak of a player he is
  • YATTA (08/04/2024, 12:22) Like (8) Dislike (26) Reply
    Lmao! From day one i tell ayo it aint so w d’moi. Even at the save the seed league this man stays less. 1 PPG w the Lakers…cut. 8PPg with rip city…bench warmer. Now this…man who play on the same team as Bron, world greatest basketball player, let kimbo and them mongrel from savan trash the bvi team. SMH
  • Asking For Myself (08/04/2024, 12:25) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    Who was this big coach from the states?
  • home grown (08/04/2024, 12:32) Like (13) Dislike (8) Reply
    I kno Tola wasn’t goin to defend lack of shooting depth and tha boy ain’t nba ready neither but glad he got the opportunity. Num 24 on rock would out shoot him any day anytime and Thas facts! Good luck next time Tola.
  • herbs power (08/04/2024, 12:52) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    6 marga man run off our big squad with a fly in coach. Is how they pull that off. Wellsah look thing.
  • ccc (08/04/2024, 13:06) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    What a let down to the home fan
  • HMMM (08/04/2024, 13:21) Like (31) Dislike (1) Reply
    Typical BVI behavior. Firstly congrats to the VG and Tola teams for games well played, they did their best. Now to the point, how do we expect to play at a top level if we will be 'flying in' coaches and players day before a tournament? How does this make any sense? No meshing, no gelling, getting to know each other etc. This is just so stupid and we do it every single year. This was a very well put together and well supported tournament and sadly we now go back to no real basketball action for another 12 months.
  • rock man (08/04/2024, 13:37) Like (21) Dislike (9) Reply
    Even with their “ superstar” we still whooped them. He’s just a regular player, some of his teammates has more skills than him. Keep an eye on that Virgin Gorda team, them youths got skills, but like they were nervous. With Chino as team captain & extra training them man would mop the floor with Tola. Watch & see.
  • hard wood (08/04/2024, 13:42) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply



    Le dem tek da in dem stmack


  • Yes (08/04/2024, 13:44) Like (39) Dislike (3) Reply
    One man can not make a team, so please stop blaming Mr. Hodge because Tola didn’t win
  • Fam (08/04/2024, 13:48) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    They really missed ray and bezer the team was weak with roti boy and Joash
  • Watch thing...smh (08/04/2024, 14:13) Like (40) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hope mr. hodge isnt seeing this non sense you people are writing. I never thought that you alone can win for bvi. The fact is, BVI work ethic is way below average and USVI ppl know how to work and work together. We as bvi people only support you when you win. You did the BVI proud and Thanks for lending your talent back to the community. Also, you must lead the team next time. You are capable.
  • Typical tola mentality (08/04/2024, 14:20) Like (37) Dislike (0) Reply
    When he was on the Lakers team yall was full of talk and was praising him, but I knew it wouldn't last cause BVI love is never real and now, here we are.....yall saying he dont have skills blah blah blah......oh well!
  • smh.. (08/04/2024, 14:32) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    I really hate it here..
  • TTM (08/04/2024, 14:38) Like (30) Dislike (2) Reply
    The same people who supported Mr. Hodge in is success when he was with Lakers is the same people who now calling him down. Such is life, if they did it to Jesus, who is D'moi?
    • yooo (08/04/2024, 15:36) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
      not the same people. its mainly people from rock and cruz talking.
    • Real Love (08/04/2024, 17:30) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      That is sooo true. But HATERS going always be HATERS and Fakers going always stay FAKE!

      REAL recognize REAL!
  • judge (08/04/2024, 14:52) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Them unfair the Santo Domingo team who could have easily beat the Rockman them.
  • WOW (08/04/2024, 14:59) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    Just to see how BVI people just evil and wicked. They praise you when it's convenient and shame and disgrace you with the same tongue if it's not in their favor. It had to go down like this so Hodge can see who uall really are. British Virgin Islands get the award for more wicked set of traitors on the universe
  • fish (08/04/2024, 15:02) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    These bvi fans are evil can’t take a lost
  • BVI people too ungrateful (08/04/2024, 15:03) Like (23) Dislike (1) Reply
    The man played through grief because of his father's death....If he didn't play ayo would've said else...If it was me, I would've never played.
  • Logo 3 (08/04/2024, 15:17) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where was all this talk in the first match up. Y'all ain't easy.
  • WFISH (08/04/2024, 15:34) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply

    So wait the whole a Tola come out the see Tola loose don't blame Mr Hogde the whole team is Sh***

  • Only Angels (08/04/2024, 15:43) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
    Mr Hodge was not at his best on Sunday night but every human being has an off day or PLENTY. Most of those on here talking couldn't run for 3 minutes straight but everyone is a superstar and all knowing when they sitting in the benches. The BVI Team was outplayed by USVI yesterday. It was very unfortunate but that does not dim Mr Hodge's shine or diminish his talent. Its disappointing to me that everyone ignores that Tola made it to the finals and only blames 1 man out of a whole team.
  • Embarrassing (08/04/2024, 15:45) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Them pictures are an embarrassment to all of us. Money posers lookin like they escaped prison for the day.
    • WFISH (08/04/2024, 17:26) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      If you don't have nothing to say don't say anything at all you from Tola ayo like to criticize and your no better
      Take your lose and go sit down
  • one (08/04/2024, 16:18) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    mannever win in a team sport. It is mathematical and physicaly impossibe for one member of a baset ball to think he alone can win a game by himself.Thr greatest of the greats knew that. How come that knuckle egotistical head dont.
  • No Sportsmanship (08/04/2024, 16:42) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    The BVI has no Sportsmanship. Tek yuh lost and keep yuh head high. They didnt even congratulate USVI for winning. The other night them win you couldnt get them off the court. Last night they left like roaches when you turn on a light - scattered. Not even had the decency to collect their Silver Trophy. We need do better specially bein the host country. We definitely lacking something.
    • Was Not Informed (08/04/2024, 21:19) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      The BVI Team Did Congratulate the other team after the game as the high fives and hugs were exchanged. They were not informed of a second place trophy being presented and that they needed to be around. This was due to lack of communication and poor sportsmanship as you suggested……
  • Its not that serious (08/04/2024, 16:45) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    The team was a knocked together team who I doubt even practiced together. We dont even have a basketball league. They did well in my opinion, all things considered. Do we even know the composition of the other teams?
  • Truth (08/04/2024, 16:52) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bvi basketball teams will never prosper because opportunity is given to the popular and not the talented.
  • Great. (08/04/2024, 17:54) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good work Steve. You pulled off something excellent...That's the result of staying with what you believe in and have a passion for...Continue to stay with it..
  • tola (08/04/2024, 18:08) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    The fishermen did not catch much fish to give them more money
  • Trying (08/04/2024, 21:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    They boys to lazy.
  • Well Me Boy (09/04/2024, 01:01) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Come on cheer up there is always next year
  • Interesting (09/04/2024, 09:12) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    BVI A beat BVI B. The st thomas team full of men with BVI roots.
  • @ BVI people too ungrateful (09/04/2024, 09:46) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Not BVI prople, it’s those ungrateful ones from the so call big island. They expect D’Moi to carry the whole team, now since they lost they throwing blame on him. He shouldn’t have played & let them finish with 0 in the win column.
  • jah jah (09/04/2024, 11:42) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why are some of you people so bloody, cold, and heartless???? It's a bloody game, and SOMEBODY HAD TO LOSE!! Why are you on his back like that???

    All who are here tearing him down, walk in his shoes, I dare you WALK in the Man's shoes!!! He is the FIRST to be seen and given a shot in the NBA, who else can say this?? Tell me WHO? LOOK AROUND AND CALL NAMES!! He's not gonna win them all, and he's not gonna lose them all.

    That's why it is encouraged, that after Gos, trust NO man, because look at you all!!!

    My heart goes out to him for his loss, I stand with him, i support him and I believe that this isn't the end for him!! One day the world will.know D'Moi Hodge, just like they do Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Dwane Wade, and LeBron James. I believe in him, his talent and potential.

    May God continue to protect him, guide him, comfort him and lift him out. I know he's coming out of this in victory with a testimony!!

    God gor you D'Moi!!!

  • EYE IN THE SKY DONT LIE (09/04/2024, 14:00) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    A VG vs TOLA matchup would be epic, Come on Steve organize a Saturday night matchup. Both junior and senior teams from VG and TOLA To play each other. Let’s Go Steve organize that for next weekend. Keep the fire blazing
  • bvi (15/04/2024, 22:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ya’ll does cant wait for someone down fall to show ya’ll tru colors


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