Love claims Shoot For Life title

It is not often that those who usually would not be in the spotlight have a chance to shine, but the participants of the ‘SHOOT FOR LIFE’ Under-16 Basketball Tournament made themselves and their parents proud when the competition concluded on Sunday evening.

In front of a packed crowd in the Barbados Community College gym, Team Love defeated Team Integrity in the finals by four points, 33-29 to lift the trophy. Love led all four quarters of the close game, 10-7, and 19-14 at halftime, 26-19 and 33-29 by the final whistle.

The third place game was a little more competitive with the crowd being completely into the battle. Team Faith came from behind to win over Team Excellence, 50-44. Excellence were in front 8-9 after the first quarter and the game was all tied at the half. The third was more of the same, seeing Excellence hold a small 30-32 lead. However a push by Faith sealed the victory in the final ten minutes of the game to claim victory by six points.

A silky baseline finish by Zane Gaskin of Team Love.

Tyler Forde of Team Integrity took home the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament Award as well as the Sponsors (PEAK) Award. Tyrell Carter was the Finals Most Valuable Player, while Andrew Broomes-Harris was awarded the honour of the Most Resilient Player. 

The youth focused basketball tournament hosted by Combined Faith Christian Sports Evangelism Ministry, commenced in January with the theme ‘SHOOT FUH LIFE’. With 53 Under-16 students, from ten secondary schools, the competition, sponsored by the PEAK sporting brand in Barbados, was held over a period of four weekends. Not only the schools were touched but 48 communities from nine of the parishes across Barbados were involved.

Tyler Forde (left) won the Tournament MVP Award and the Sponsors Award for dedication and Tyrell Carter (right) was awarded as the Finals MVP.
Both awards were presented by Francis Williams (center),

Leader of Combined Faith, Dean Squires stated it was a pleasure working with the youth.

“Amidst all the challenges that some youth are dealing with daily, it was a great blessing to give these young basketballers the opportunity to grow in their skills but more so in their character. We give a big thank-you to Combined Faith and to PEAK for making this Under-16 edition of the ‘SHOOT FUH LIFE’ Basketball Tournament possible.” he said.