Primary Boys Basketball Preseason Rally

By:  Flynn Bush

One day after the successful and exciting Girls Inter-Primary Basketball Preseason Basketball Rally, the John Gray Gym was again rocking on January 10th.  This time, it was the boys’ turn as teams from various schools fought for their chance to hoist the trophy and to wear their “Champion” gold medals.  After the girls’ tournament, there was much anticipation.  The day’s action would not disappoint.

From the outset, teams took the court with determination and every point was hard fought, it seemed.  Athletes fighting through sweat, aches, and shortness of breath was a common sight.  Some of these players were obviously newcomers to the game, and some others displayed evidence that they had previously been through this experience.  Regardless of the level of experience or skill, they all played with heart.  Ms. Kerry Jones, Senior Primary PE Teacher and Inter-Primary Sports Coordinator was very pleased with everyone’s efforts.  “It was exciting to see the boys play today.  They all played with heart.”

As the tournament progressed, the teams started to separate themselves and soon the stage was set for the championship game.  Despite the toughness of the other teams, First Baptist Academy and Cayman Prep had reached the finals unscathed and were ready for one more battle.  As expected, the action was fast and intense.  Momentum seemed to switch back and forth, and at the end of regulation the score was tied.  That meant the teams would play a period of ‘sudden death’ where the first team to score would be declared the winner.  Commonly called the ‘Golden Bucket or Golden Basket’, this period can be nerve racking for players, and for coaches and spectators alike.

As the play resumed, the players from both teams seemed to find their high gear and were playing with an extra amount of gusto.  There were several shots taken by each team that missed the mark; some that rattled the rim and raised the blood pressure of those watching, for a split second.  Then, there was one particular shot, taken from the left of the basket that found its mark and the Cayman Prep players broke out in mass celebration, players from the bench joining in the massive blob of jubilation on the court. 

It was an exciting end to what had proven to be a very entertaining tournament.  “This was a very exciting rally, and all of the games were close throughout the day,” Ms. Jones remarked.  “In fact, a lot of the games had to go down to a ‘golden basket’ to decide the game winner.  This is a good preview of what is to come in the season ahead.”  As Ms. Jones said, if this preseason rally is any indication, the entire season will be filled with tense, exciting moments and inspired, motivated play from the athletes.