Latest update March 29th, 2025 5:38 AM
Dear Editor,
The first attempt of organizing a Caribbean Basketball tournament took place in Guyana February 1976. The proposed countries identified to participate were host Guyana, Suriname, Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago. Trinidad & Tobago withdrew at the last moment sighting a lack of communication anyhow, Suriname and Barbados arrived on time honouring their verbal commitment.
After the tournament was opened by then Minister of Sports Shirley Field Ridley, Guyana led by Mike Brusche humbled Barbados 76 to 66. Brusche led from the front with 21 points, he got admirable support from Aubrey Chalmers 16 points and Phillip Daniels 13 points. For Barbados, Malcolm Stanton scored 16 points and Harry Garnes 12 points.
In the second match of the competition, Suriname blew out Barbados 107 to 70, Suriname then edged Guyana 59 to 57, Merton Fitzalbert had a outstanding all round game in a losing cause for Guyana.
Barbados then created a major upset silencing a boisterous and partisan Sports Hall crowd of over 3000 fans by stopping Guyana 77 to 70 in the process eliminating the host from the finals, Orin Cumberbatch top scored for Guyana with 21 points, Keith Alexander 11 points, Merton Fitzalbert 11 points, Mike Brusche 10 points, for the victors Malcolm Stanton had 16 points, Cameron Vicary 15 points and Ian Trotman 13 points.
In the finals for the Neil Chan trophy, Suriname destroyed Barbados 99 to 84. For Suriname Eudoxic and Faverus scored 27 points each while for Barbados Malcolm Stanton led with 23 points while Jeffrey Stoute supported with 18 points.
Guyana’s quest for honours in the Republic Trophy started on a winning note against Barbados. The host romped to an easy 77 to 63 points victory, Orin Cumberbatch led all scorers with 24 points he was supported by Winston Joseph and Merton Fitzalbert with 14 points each. For Barbados star player Malcolm Stanton scored 12 points. Suriname then eliminated Barbados with a 113 to 85 points victory, setting up a grand final with host Guyana.
In the final, Guyana had no answer for the play of Faverus whose 38 points led the Dutchmen to a convincing 91 to 72 points victory he scored 24 points in the first half, Captain Mike Brusche led Guyana with 16 points. Guyana’s Mike Brusche received the Best offensive player award. Cumberbatch supported with 14 points.
The Guyana team for that historical tournament was:
Mike Brusche, Captain
Clifton Brusche
Melroy Fitzalbert
Merton Fitzalbert
Phillip Daniels
Winston Joseph
Aubrey Chalmers
Orin Cumberbatch
James Devonish
Gavin Kendall
Keith Alexander
Hewley Harry
CW
Mar 29, 2025
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