Excitement builds as youth basketball ball championship moves to Finals series

Two thrilling semi-finals were played in the FTS Youth Basketball Championship last Saturday at the ARC when Academy Sports Club faced Clifton Hunter and Let it Fly played Sol Blazers.

The new U18 boys basketball tournament is comprised of six teams, or 57 youth players. The past 6 weeks have seen increasing crowds, dunks and skills on display.

“It’s been what we envisioned and more,” said Paul Byles founder of the youth event.

“The idea was simple: provide an opportunity for youth basketballers to have fun competing. But the bonus is that each week we have seen larger and more energetic crowds, culminating in 2 great semi-final games last Saturday”.

The game between Academy and Clifton Hunter went to the wire with Clifton Hunter edging Academy Sports Club 54-50.

In the second semi-finals, an exciting team, Let it Fly, took the lead and was fiercely challenged by a talented and determined Sol Blazers team who fought back, losing only by 5 points (78-73) in the end.

The FTS Youth Basketball Playoff Finals will start this Saturday at 5pm and will feature a 3 game series between Let it Fly and Clifton Hunter.

Let it Fly is coached by Redver Ebanks while the Clifton Hunter team’s coach is Patrick Smith.

Officiation of the FTS Youth Basketball Championship is being led by Gregory Hamilton and Eckerd Mcfield.

“A huge thanks must go to all the coaches and officials for making this such a great event for the players and spectators” added Byles.

Organisers say that the FTS girls basketball Championship is up next and already in the planning stages.

Further information about the tournament and the games schedule can be found at www.caymanyouthbasketball.ky