North Zone Revival: The Invitational Tournament: Breathing New Life into Basketball and Youth Empowerment

After a four-year hiatus, North Zone Basketball Commission, the nation’s premier basketball league, made a triumphant return with Revival: The Invitational Tournament, captivating fans and reigniting the passion for the sport. With the last top-tier division competition held in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament officially tipped off on Sunday, November 11, with a renewed purpose: to restore basketball’s glory while addressing societal challenges.

Held at St Paul Street (Indoor Complex) a historic community once hailed as the "Mecca" of basketball in the country, the tournament showcases seven division one teams alongside five promising youth teams. The initiative highlights a concerted effort to engage young talent while curbing criminal activities through sports.

League Chairman Kwesi Antoine expressed his excitement over the tournament's diverse lineup, highlighting the inclusion of younger teams like Morvant Oilbirds and Spartans in the top division. “This is a tremendous development for the sport. The more established Caledonia Clippers have now rebranded and features a group of promising young players along with two veterans, former national player Kurt “Koto” Christian and Orlando Mapp. These youthful talent and determination on display are exactly what the game needs right now,” he stated during an interview at the second week of play.

The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of Port of Spain South Member of Parliament Keith Scotland, Laventille East/Morvant Member of Parliament Adrian Leonce, and Hillan Morean, Chairman of the East Port of Spain Development Company Limited, the tournament’s main sponsor. The dignitaries addressed the participants. Their involvement underscored the broader significance of the event as they engaged with players, coaches, officials, and fans, emphasizing community solidarity.

The Revival Invitational Tournament is more than a comeback—it’s a movement to foster talent, uplift communities, and inspire a new generation through the unifying power of basketball. Chairman Antoine was delighted as the games thus far have been thrilling, with both seasoned players and emerging stars leaving their mark on the court. Fans were buzzing with excitement as scores roll in and rivalries heat up in what promises to be a defining season for basketball in the country.

Open Division:

On the first night, Trinidad and Tobago Police Service scored an easy 72-38 victory over a depleted rostered Morvant Oilbirds. The youthful Oilbirds enjoyed a slender first quarter lead 16-15 but Police locked them down 34-20 at the half and 55-28 by the end of the third session. Fabrice Fisher led Police with 21pts, while Seylon Williams contributed 11. Center Rashwan Hope top scored with a hard fought 15pts for Oilbirds despite the imposing presence the more experienced Police centers, Dextroy Manswell and Don Wilkinson. Antonio Ambris had 8pts for the losers.

On November 15, point guard Sadiqi Guerra led Starker Nets with 15pts in a commanding 69-50 win over Caracas City. Nets led all quarters 16-12, 40-22 and 54-35. Armando led Caracas with 14pts and Hmunoz added 10 in the losing effort.

In the other open division game, Police improved their record to 2-0 with another comfortable win over Spartans, 72-49. The lawmen controlled the battle 16-15, 41-27 and 58-42. Both Fabrice Fisher and Ronell Winter, making a comeback following a lengthy injury, guided Police with 16pts each. Meanwhile, Idris Martin top scored with 13pts for Spartans while Emmanuel Cournand had 12 and Zachary Julien 10.

In a highly anticipated matchup the following night, Caledonia Clippers scored a nail biting 67-64 overtime victory over Defence Force. Led by with Kerry Mc Millan with a game high 19pts, Defence Force controlled the early tempo with an 18-14 lead in the opening session and 33-25 in the second period. However, Clippers with a combined team effort from Jason Best (13pts), Orlando Mapp (13pts), Amare Toney (12pts) and Leshawn Alfred (12pts) rallied back clipping the Army team in the extra period. Jamiel King contributed 11pts for Defence Force in a losing effort.

Under 17 Division:

On opening night, Royalty scored a comfortable 46 vs 16 win over 500 Hawks. Royalty led all quarters, 19-1, 33-5 & 36-15. Christian Gillineau led Royalty with 13pts while Jason Best chipped in with 11.

In the other game, Spartans defeated Basic Basketball Academy (BBC) 68-40. Spartans led throughout the contest, 19-8, 39-23 and 55-27. William Francis topscored for the winners with 14pts & Idris Martin had 10. Kimani John led BBC with 12pts.

The following week, 500 Hawks rebounded from their opening loss to score a 56 -40 victory against Trailblazers. Kaloji Joseph led Hawks with 27pts while Armani Patrick added 13pts. Elijah Bruce had an outstanding game high 30pts but in a losing effort for Trailblazers.

In a keenly contested matchup, Royalty edged BBC 85-82. In the high scoring contest, Isiah Mitchell guided Royalty to their second win with 34pts, Christian Gilleau had 22 and Jason Best contributed 22. For BBC, Caleb Ferguson scored a game high 41pts, while Aisan Blgobin and Jiairhem Mc Cloud added 12pts apiece.

As the tournament progresses with games over the upcoming weekend, anticipation grows for what lies ahead as teams battle in both divisions seeking to improve their record for a possible Big-Four Playoffs. The organizers believe that The Revival Invitational Tournament is more than a basketball league; it is a movement for hope, community, and rediscovering the joy of the game.