With the Keystone State Skills Camp now completed, yesterday Bermuda's Youth Girls National Basketball Team took the court versus the likes of Pope John XXIII (New Jersey) and Mifflin City (Pennsylvania) in the team tournament.
Coach Erica Woods led the team into the tournament and had this to say, “The first game against Pope John XXIII saw the girls start off slow, having had two days off from competition. However it wasn't long before Co-captain Anna Gilliatt took charge after opening up with a few easy buckets. New comer Leilanni Nesbeth also proved to be a defensive prowess forcing numerous turnovers which saw Bermuda capitalize on countless fast break opportunities. Once the team got started, it took the lead and never looked back, Bermuda won 27-14.
The second game against Mifflin City saw multiple players get quality minutes as our defensive scheme constantly disrupted the opposing teams offensive game plan. Bermuda jumped out to an early lead headed by veteran Inshan-nae Smith who found the gaps early and was relentless in her attack.
This propelled the entire team as our veterans stepped up and took control of the game which gave the younger players a boost of confidence. Kaylee Lema and Leilanni Nesbeth stepped up defensively with their on-the-ball defense working together to create turnovers. Our post players Chanara Smith-Rookes, Smith and Alea Whorms grabbed numerous rebounds to secure possession for us. In the end the girls pulled off a 44-28 victory.”
Keystone Camps has over 4,000 campers annually for its basketball camps, shoot-outs, and tournaments and has been host to hundreds of college basketball players and coaches. Keystone’s notable alumni include players like Tamika Catchings, Tanigha Wright, and numerous other WNBA players.
The BBYF is the official youth national basketball programme of Bermuda as sanctioned by the Bermuda Basketball Association. The BBYF would like to send thanks to our sponsors for supporting our domestic and international programmes - Qatar Re, Argus, Orbis Investment Management Limited, International Financial Planning, Bermuda Cablevision, Mailboxes Unlimited, and all other the private donors who wish to remain anonymous. If you would like to support youth basketball in Bermuda or you would like to learn more about how your young player can tryout or join the national team please contact the BBYF at info@bbyfbasketball.org.
“This year we will be launching Elite Crossfit a partnership with CrossFit BDA run by former college basketball player, Derek Hurdle. Hurdle played College Basketball at St. Mary’s University and was also the captain of the Men’s National Team at the Carifta Games, so this partnership not only makes sense for us, it keeps in line with our position to hire and retain only the top basketball coaches in Bermuda who know what it takes to play at the next level.
“We are also launching our Study Tables, which is a teacher led study programme to ensure that players do well academically and that they meet the academic eligibility requirements in order to earn a college scholarship. These are exciting developments for our programme in the coming year.”
For more information about Wolfpack Elite Player Development please contact Director Charles Peters at charles@wolfpackhoops.com
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