BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE O. D. Brisbane Sandy Point Fruta Falcons made history on Saturday night (June 5) by winning their fifth straight championship in the St. Kitts Amateur Basketball Association’s (SKABA) LIME Junior Division and congratulations for the team have been profuse since.
Falcons won their latest championship by defeating Rams Junior Hitters in the second game of the best of three series, 91-89. Though they trailed for much of the game, a 43-point performance by Falcons star Taslyn Belboda carried the team through the fourth quarter to the narrow victory.
Though Hitters and Falcons have become a classic rivalry in the Junior Division, bringing out strong performances from both teams, the losing squad was among the first to officially congratulate the Sandy Pointers on their unprecedented accomplishment.
“We applaud their efforts and success in achieving their 5th Junior Title Championship,” a missive from Hitters Head Coach James ‘Barman’ Hanley stated.
“The Fruta Flacons are a great basketball team and have exhibited tremendous skill, endurance and confidence throughout the 2010 SKABA basketball league. It is our privilege to be their greatest competitors and, as they are more than worthy adversaries, we anticipate an exciting and challenging 2011 junior basketball season.”
Similar praises for the team came from the SKABA executive, as Falcons has consistently been one of the most exciting teams in the league for the past half a decade and has always brought fans out to Basketball City.
“The SKABA would like to congratulate the Sandy Point Fruta Falcons on their unprecedented 5th consecutive SKABA Junior Division title,” General Secretary Wallis Wilkin stated in a letter to Falcons coach Sean ‘Bucksy’ Crossley. “Your success is reflective of you and your team’s hard work and dedication in addition to the immense talents of the players.”
Wilkin described the squad as “exemplary ambassadors” in both the local league and in competitions against overseas teams. As the reigning champion in St. Kitts-Nevis, Falcons have regularly been selected to represent the nation against regional teams, including twice this season against British Virgin Islands champions Another Level.
“The St.Kitts Amateur Basketball Association is always pleased when our players and teams excel and exemplify the tremendous talent and determination that exists not only within our association but within our community,” Wilkin said, adding that he hopes the team is able to continue their success for years to come.
