NABORS Linden U-17 Basketball Championship…

OWEN France, later named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the final, helped Mackenzie High School (MHS) stave off the challenge of Christianburg Wismar Secondary (CWSS) to capture the R-10 North American Basketball Outreach for Rising Stars (NABORS) Linden Secondary Schools U17 Basketball Tournament.

France netted eight of his 11 points in the second half in his side’s 42-35 win in the final which was played, last Thursday, at the Mackenzie High School hard court.
The tournament, the first to be organised by the recently elected Linden Amateur Basketball Association executives, saw the home side looking the superior team after holding a 20-6 advantage when the first half ended.

By the end of the third quarter MHS was still in control, ahead 38-19 and despite being outscored 16-4 in the final quarter, they were able to nudge home winners, 42-35, with France scoring their lone four points in that final stretch.

For that win MHS received $100,000 along with a trophy, replicas and two basketballs, while the losing finalist, CWSS, collected $50,000 along with medals and two basketballs.
The cash incentives totalling $150,000 for this tournament was donated by former Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) President, Mr. Nigel Hinds, through Nigel Hinds Financial Services Group.

United States-based former National Captain, Mr. James Brush and basketball coach, Gary Stephens, donated the basketballs presented to the schools which participated in the tournament.
The MVP France from Mackenzie High School for his game high 13 points received a trophy, compliments of Trophy Stall.

All other trophies and medals were donated by R-10 NABORS
Mr. Hinds spoke to the participating schools before the final in the presence of the LABA President, Mrs. Dawn McCammon-Barker.

The tournament ended on a high note with participating teams being very grateful for the rewards they received for their efforts.

LABA President, Mrs. McCammon-Barker expressed special thanks to R-10 NABORS, the region 10 Department of Education, Nigel Hinds Financial Services group Inc., Linden Amateur Basketball Association, James Brush and Gary Stephens. (Joe Chapman).