Kolij supreme in U17 hoops

Harrison College (HC) proved their strength and resilience as they fought tooth and nail with defending champions Queens College (QC) to capture the 2024 National Sports Council U17 Schools Basketball Competition at the Wildey Gymnasium on Thursday, matching their Under-15 counterparts.

It took an all-around effort on both ends of the floor to keep the game within striking distance for the HC squad, they had the advantage after the first quarter 15-12, which included three long range shots by Isacc Griffith for 9 points.

The halftime scoreline was even closer at 30-28 in favor of HC. At this stage of the game, no team was able to establish a clear advantage, keeping the scores very close throughout.

Zane Gaskin proved time after time why he is considered the best young player on the island, scoring 15 of his team’s first 20 points while making tough layups and put-backs around the rim.

QC were able to make a run after the halftime interval. Gaskin put the team on his back, as he scored 10 points in the third quarter, to give his team a 45-42 lead.

In a high-scoring final period, HC began to attack the rim and run in transition, scoring 30 points in the quarter. The team showed what got them this far, as everyone played a part, including Finals MVP, Walton Yarbrough, who played with a great effort and hustle on both sides of the court to finish with 13 points.

Regular season MVP, Derreon Griffin hit a three-point shot in the final seconds to bring QC within a point. But HC was able to stay composed and make their free throws to end the game and take the title with a 72-70 victory.

For HC, Isacc Griffith finished the game with 13 points, Coby Haynes had 12, while U15 Finals MVP Jelani Marshall scored 11.

Gaskin had a game-high 36 points while Griffin scored 19 for QC. (ZM)

2024 U17 Awardees:

Top 5 players –

Zane Gaskin – Queens College

Derreon Griffin – Queens College

Coby Haynes – Harrison College

Walton Yarbrough – Harrison College

Jaden Melville – St Michaels School

Regular Season MVP – Derreon Griffin – Queens College

Finals MVP – Walton Yarbrough – Harrison College