New Chapter aim to retain St Lucia basketball title

Trinidad and Tobago-based New Chapter Global Sport Academy (NCA) begin defence of their Aloysius “Loy Loy” Daniel Youth Classic Basketball tournament Under-18 title in St Lucia from August 19-23.

After capturing the 2023 crown, NCA are goal-bound on retaining their title at the Beausejour Indoor Stadium in Gros Islet.

Led by head coach Kern George, NCA return with reigning tournament MVP Judah Guy, who delivered a stellar performance last year, which propelled them to victory over East Coast Academy Lions in the final.

Alongside Guy, 2024 TT Schools Basketball National Championships Under-17 MVP Jervais Edwards-Caracciolo and East Zone Secondary Schools Basketball Championship Under-20 MVP, Samuel Edwards, are expected to bolster the team’s efforts.

NCA’s squad boast a strong roster, including several standout players from their previous campaign. Cristian Farnum, who earned a spot on the tournament’s all-star starting five last year, will look to replicate his success.

This time around, NCA will field two teams for the competition, doubling their chances of clinching the top spot.

NCA’s road to the final won’t be easy, however, as they face tough competition in the group stages.

In Group A, NCA I will go up against East Coast Academy Tigers and Basketball for the Future Pitbulls, while NCA II take on the defending runners-up East Coast Academy Lions and Soufriere Kings in Group B.

Coach George remains confident in his team’s preparation and their ability to rise to the occasion once again.

“Last year, we showed that when preparation meets opportunity, success follows,” he said. “This year, we’re back with the same mindset and determination. The players have put in the work, and now it’s time to execute.”

With the stage set, all eyes will be on NCA as they aim to repeat history and bring the title back to TT once more.

NCA squad: Alexie Alexis, Josiah John-Andrew, Elijah Bruce, Jurell Charles, Zayden Charles, Jelani, Carrington, Jervais Edwards-Caracciolo (L), Lawrence Craig, Taalib Daniel, Samuel Edwards, Cristian Farnum, Tishad Gamero, Dominic Henry, Xavier Jack, Kai John, Rolando Marcano, Micah Pemberton, Sage Robinson, Jaden Russell, Judah Guy, Josiah Drayton

NCA staff: Kern George (coach), Nickeisha Charles-George (manager), Edwin St.Louis (manager), Chaz Suite (statistician), Stephen Edwards (coach), Jaden Roberts (coach), Joanne Spencer (cook), Aisha Edwards (chaperone)

Tournament schedule:

August 19: NCA 1 vs. E.C.A Tigers - Group A (5.30 pm)

August 20: NCA 1 vs B.F.T.F Pitbulls - Group A (5.30 pm), E.C.A Lions vs. NCA 2 - Group B (7 pm)

August 21: NCA 2 vs Soufriere Kings - Group B (5.30 pm)

August 22: Semi-final 1 (5.30 pm), Semi-final 2 (7 pm)

August 23: Third Place (5.30 pm), Championship Game (7 pm)