First Annual Hoops In Paradise Invitational Draws Teams From USVI, BVI And PR

ST. THOMAS — The Virgin Islands Department of Education (D.O.E.), in conjunction with the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School and Island Ballers is hosting the First Annual Hoops in Paradise Invitational Tournament at the BCB Gymnasium, April 23-26. On Monday, Governor Kenneth Mapp attended the tournament along with D.O.E. Commissioner Sharon Ann McCollum, Ph.D., and other Education officials.

Following a nail-biter between the Charlotte Amalie High School Hawks and the BVI Future All Stars team, which bested the Hawks 66 to 63 in double overtime, Mr. Mapp praised the tournament’s participants and organizers.

“This is the first time in the Department of Education’s history that we’re promoting interisland competition among our high schools in all of the territories—the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands,” said the governor. “I want to thank you for coming and all of the people that worked hard to put this together. I want to thank you all and commend you on the sportsmanship and the work you are doing.”

Ms. McCollum expressed her satisfaction with the first-time effort that has brought together teams from St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, the BVI and Puerto Rico.

“This initial endeavor of bringing together the surrounding islands is a positive start,” she said. “We will move forward growing this event and others into a bigger competition for our students.”

Ramon Galvez and Ferdinand Cedeno, coaches of Coqui and Van Scoy from Puerto Rico, traveled with a delegation of 56 that included athletes and chaperones.

“This is a very good tournament and we are happy to participate,” said Coach Cedeno. He noted that his relationship with BCB began last year when the BCB Blazers basketball team participated in a tournament held in Puerto Rico.

Derwin Scatliffe, coach of BVI teams JV All Stars, BVI Stars and BVI Future Stars, brought 28 students and chaperones to the games.

“It’s always great to participate in [tournaments] because it helps our students expand their reach, get seen by scouts and have the opportunity to obtain scholarships for college,” he said. Coach Scatliffe pointed out this was the first time many of his athletes have traveled outside of the British territory, offering them the opportunity to grow their basketball skills and expand their horizons.

Donald Bough, coach of the St. Croix Central High School Caribs, says his team—comprised of ten JV and varsity players—is pleased to attend the tournament, and pointed to both the athletic and cultural benefits students are enjoying.

“This is a great time for our students to be here on St. Thomas to compete in basketball and also to experience the Carnival,” he said. “I commend the Department of Education for organizing this activity because it shows their genuine concern for students.” Members of the Caribs team will also participate in the St. Thomas Children’s Parade on April 28.

Teams from Gifft Hill School on St. John and Ivanna Eudora Kean High School JV basketball team are also participating in the tournament. The Hoops in Paradise Invitational Tournament continues through Wednesday, April 26 at the BCB Middle School Gymnasium beginning at 10 a.m.