The Fives’ Challenge Series concluded two high-octane days of developmental basketball over the weekend at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, showcasing the rising elite of Guyana’s youth talent.
The event, which prioritised fundamental mastery and maximum court time, saw St. Roses High and President’s College emerge as the big winners in the U14 and U18 divisions, respectively.
The series focused on a unique “no-substitution” format, ensuring that every student-athlete had an equal opportunity to apply their skills in game situations. Beyond the team accolades, the tournament served as a critical assessment for shooting, dribbling, and basketball IQ.
St. Roses High proved to be the class of the Under-14 division. Led by a standout performance from Daniel Cox, St. Roses navigated a tough bracket, defeating Georgetown International Academy and St. Stanislaus College to reach the finals.
In the championship decider against Kwakwani Secondary (A), Cox delivered once more, tallying 7 points, 3 rebounds, and a steal to secure the title and the division’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
The Under-18 category featured a heavy-hitting lineup, but it was President’s College that showcased the most grit. After a dominant 10-point showing by Omarie Grandison in the quarterfinals and a narrow victory over the Government Technical Institute (GTI) in the semis, they met St. Stanislaus College in the grand finale.
In a defensive battle, Mattaniah Fordyce anchored President’s College, earning MVP honors with a crucial 6 points and 5 rebounds to lead his team to the winner’s podium.
A significant highlight of this year’s series was the debut of the U12 Mini Basketball Tournament. Highlighting the importance of early youth development, four teams competed for the inaugural title.
Marian Academy (A) etched their name in the history books as the first champions of the category, defeating Youth Basketball Guyana in the final, led by Lester Thomas’ 6-point effort.
The Fives’ Challenge Series was more than just a competition; it was a financial boost for school programs. Champions walked away with $65,000 and medals, while Runners-Up secured $32,000. MVPs and Skills Challenge winners were also rewarded with cash prizes and trophies.
Organisers expressed sincere gratitude to community partners—Edward B. Beharry Ltd, G-Boat Inc, and the National Sports Commission—whose support remains vital in providing year-round opportunities for Guyanese athletes to excel. (MODIFIED PRESS RELEASE)
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