The Bayside Blazers Basketball Team will be one of two teams to represent the VI in the regional Dreams to Reality Foundation Annual ‘Battle of the Fittest’ (BOTF) Basketball Tournament in Dutch St Maarten from July 14-20, 2024. Photo: VINO/File

Sponsors so far of VG Bayside Blazers include Biras Creek Resort and Skelton Group of Companies. Photo: Internet Source

Manager of Team Bayside Blazers, Mr Julian Willock said his team roster will be finalised in the coming days and that he is expecting to have some players from overseas on the roster. Photo: Nanny Cay/Facebook/File

The VG Bayside Blazers have local players such as Kimani T. Stevens, Shamarr A. George, Norville S. Carey and Dione M. Blyden to name a few. Photo: Bayside Blazers

The games will be played nightly at LB Scott Sports Auditorium in Philipsburg, St Maarten.

Manager of Team Bayside Blazers, Mr Julian Willock, said his team has been waiting for about two years for the BVI Basketball Federation to start their league or even the Hon Fraser Save the Seed League. Although neither of the leagues has materialised, "many players from my team continue to be active, hence they are able to now go overseas to compete," Mr Willock stated in a press release on July 7, 2024.

Mr Willock believes that the outing is good exposure for his team as it helps to keep the basketball sport alive and build the players' confidence and skills. He also had high praises for the Virgin Gorda Basketball League, Steve E. Parillon, Eustace C. Freeman, and others who have had different basketball activities to keep the sports alive and no doubt competitive in the Virgin Islands.

Final roster coming!

The Virgin Islands is expected to have two teams at the BOTF Basketball Tournament, with Bayside Blazers representing Virgin Gorda and Skillful Ballers representing Tortola.

The VG Bayside Blazers have local players such as Kimani T. Stevens, Shamarr A. George, Norville S. Carey and Dione M. Blyden to name a few. The VG Bayside Blazers will be coached by Brian S. Brewley aka ‘Bash’ with Team Trainer Trevor M. Stevens aka ‘West’.

Mr Willock noted that his team roster will be finalised in the coming days as he also has some players from overseas on the roster.

Sponsors so far include Biras Creek Resort and Skelton Group of Companies. Mr Willock noted that he is still raising funds to ensure the team has the right financial support to fully participate and go for the win!