分类： sports

The stage is set for an electrifying finale in the Under-19 boys’ schools’ basketball tournament, as defending champions Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) prepare to face St Mary’s College (SMC) on Thursday, November 6. The championship clash, organized by the Ministry of Youth Development & Sports, will take place at the Beausejour Gymnasium, capping off an intense competition. SALCC secured their spot in the final with a commanding 66-44 victory over Castries Comprehensive Secondary School (CCSS) in the semifinals. Despite CCSS leading by five points at halftime, SALCC’s experience and defensive prowess turned the tide in their favor. Key performances from Malik Denis, who scored 21 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and made eight steals, and Joel Desrivieres, with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, were instrumental in the win. Meshach Du Boulay stood out for CCSS with 25 points and 15 rebounds. Meanwhile, SMC avenged last year’s semifinal loss by defeating Soufrière Comprehensive Secondary School (SCSS) 50-39. Rollins Estwick led SMC with 23 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, while Jabarie Archibald contributed 10 points and 14 rebounds. SCSS, missing key player Alex Longville due to injury, saw strong performances from Curdin Jones, who recorded 16 points and 22 rebounds, and Chaz Alexander with 13 points. Earlier in the day, CCSS and SCSS will compete in the third-place playoff at 1 p.m., followed by the championship game at 2 p.m.

Megan Nestor, a rising basketball star from Saint Lucia, made an impressive debut for the University of North Texas (UNT) women’s basketball team, contributing significantly to one of the program’s most dominant victories. In the season opener on November 4, UNT’s Mean Green overwhelmed Oklahoma Christian with a staggering 106-36 win at The Super Pit in Denton, Texas. Nestor, a former national netballer for Saint Lucia, showcased her versatility by recording a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, shooting an efficient 7-8 from the field. Her performance highlighted her transition from Wayland Baptist University, where she set school records in rebounding and emerged as a consistent scoring threat. Nestor’s 15.9 points and 13.5 rebounds per game during the 2023-2024 season earned her the honor of having her jersey displayed at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee. Starting at center, Nestor’s impact was immediate, as she led the team in rebounds and contributed two assists and a block in just 22 minutes of play. Head coach Jason Burton praised the team’s balanced offensive capabilities, noting the presence of players who can stretch the floor and dominate inside. Nestor’s inclusion on the Lisa Leslie Centre of the Year Award Watchlist further underscores her potential. The 106-point outing marked the second time under Burton that UNT has surpassed 100 points, solidifying his teams’ reputation for high-scoring games. UNT will continue its season with a game against Grambling State on Friday night.

Former Saint Lucia international footballer Sylvie Willie has been appointed as the new programme manager for Syracuse City FC, a youth development initiative under the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Syracuse & Onondaga County in New York. Willie, who holds a degree in business management from Mid-American, brings a wealth of experience as a player, coach, and mentor to her new role. Her predecessor, David Pittman Toré, now head coach at Bryant & Stratton College, praised Willie’s elite playing experience, coaching leadership, and dedication to youth empowerment through sports. In her new position, Willie will oversee player development, community engagement, and youth mentorship initiatives, ensuring young athletes have access to high-quality soccer training, positive role models, and opportunities to thrive. Willie began her football journey at age 13, representing Saint Lucia at both Under-20 and senior levels. After moving to the United States in 2017, she excelled academically and athletically, becoming a four-time all-conference and all-league scholar-athlete. Post-graduation, she dedicated herself to coaching, working with players aged 4-25 across various programmes. Currently an assistant coach at Bryant & Stratton’s women’s soccer team, Willie was recommended for the Syracuse City FC role by her head coach, who recognized her qualities, experience, and values. Known for her record-breaking performances, including a single-game record of 10 points and 5 goals, Willie aims to help young Saint Lucian soccer players secure US scholarships and further their careers.