Smokin Aces, a team predominantly featuring players from Union Island and a newcomer to the Annual Bequia Basketball Tournament, won the 24th edition of the competition on the weekend, defeating the 2024 champions East Blazers.
East Blazers were led by Men’s Senior National Team player Jermaine John, who put up a strong fight throughout the championship game.
However, Smokin Aces ultimately prevailed 59-48 to claim the 1st Division championship.
Despite the loss, John had an exceptional tournament and walked away with several individual honours, including Most Points, Most Steals, Team MVP and Overall MVP. Smokin Aces also featured national talent in brothers Elton Joseph, a member of the Men’s Senior National Team, and Elroy Joseph, a member of the U23 3×3 National Team.
Elroy Joseph was a dominant force in the championship game and was rewarded for his performance with both Team MVP and Finals MVP honours.
The victory marks a significant achievement for the newly formed Smokin Aces and highlights the growing contribution of Union Island players to basketball in the Grenadines.
Golden Knights retain 2nd Division title after double-overtime thriller
Meanwhile, the second game of the evening produced what many fans described as the most exciting and intense game of the entire tournament.
The 2nd Division final between Golden Knights and Apex Elite was a back-and-forth battle, with Golden Knights trailing for much of the game.
With the championship on the line, Golden Knights’ Cassius Joseph stepped up in the final moments of regulation, sinking two consecutive free throws to tie the game.
After a double overtime and multiple players on both teams fouling out, Golden Knights eventually gained momentum late in the second overtime period and secured an 80-71 victory over Apex Elite.
Cassius Joseph’s clutch free throws proved decisive, reinforcing the familiar basketball lesson that free throws win games.
His outstanding tournament performance earned him several honours, including Team MVP, Overall MVP and Most Rebounds.
The victory also saw Golden Knights retain their 2nd Division championship, successfully defending the title for a second consecutive year.
The championship games were attended by the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Godwin Friday, who is also MP for the Northern Grenadines, and Renitta Peters-Morris, vice president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Basketball Federation.
“Their presence underscored the growing importance of basketball development and the role of community-level programmes in creating pathways for young Vincentian athletes,” BBA said in a press release.
BBA President Sabrina Mitchell expressed her appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s tournament.
Mitchell thanked sponsors, donors, supporters, parents, players, volunteers, executive members, referees and table officials for their commitment throughout the tournament.
The BBA said it is already looking ahead, with Mitchell announcing the Elite Athletes Programme and the 12 players, ages 15-24, selected to participate, adding that more details will follow soon.
The BBA will also host another Grenadines 3×3 Tournament in October and continue its youth basketball camps.
“As the 24th Annual Tournament comes to a close, the BBA Executive remains committed to building on the momentum created this summer and investing in the future of basketball across Bequia and the wider Grenadines,” a press release said.