In their second night at the ‘Battle of the Fittest’ (BOTF) Basketball Tournament in Dutch St. Maarten, the Virgin Gorda Bayside Blazers secured another impressive victory, this time against the United States of America Team.
The game took place on Monday, July 15, 2024, at the LB Scott Sports Auditorium in Philipsburg, the capital city of Dutch St. Maarten.
Despite a slow start that saw the Bayside Blazers trailing by 8 points in the first six minutes, the team quickly found their rhythm and surged past Team USA. Leading the charge for the Blazers were point guard Anthony Smith, along with Virgin Gorda’s own Shamarr George, also known as ‘Shumba,’ and Raheem Carter. Smith racked up 18 points, George added 17, and Carter contributed 15, leading the Blazers to a 73-60 victory.
The Virgin Islands are proudly represented by two teams in the BOTF Tournament. The Virgin Gorda Bayside Blazers are managed by Julian Willock and coached by Brian S. Brewley, known as ‘Bash’ while Tortola is represented by Team Skillful Ballers, coached by basketball veteran Rodney Simmons, also known as ‘Gola.’
Tonight, Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 10:00 PM, the VG Bayside Blazers are set to face off against St. Maarten, who will have the home team advantage.