YGB’s National Schools Basketball Festival tips off

Jul 01, 2026 Sports

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– Bart explodes against JC Chandisingh Sec’ as Georgetown schools headline opening day

Kaieteur Sports – Government’s support was evident at this year’s opening, as Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) brought the curtains down on an action-packed opening day of the 19th Annual National Schools Basketball Festival (NSBF) on Sunday, June 28, inside the National Gymnasium, with nine teams advancing after impressive opening victories.

Backed by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the KFC National Basketball championship officially tipped off with Government ministers joining corporate sponsors and basketball officials in opening of this year’s tournament, which features Boys’ Under-14, Boys’ Under-16, Girls’ Under-16 and Boys’ Under-18 divisions.

Minister of Education, Hon. Sonia Parag, along with Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Steven Jacobs, attended the opening ceremony, highlighting the Government’s continued commitment to youth development through sport.

Also present were Guyana Basketball Federation Vice-President Rawle Toney, representatives of title sponsor KFC Guyana, Edward B. Beharry Limited, and Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) Co-Directors Chris Bowman and Rayad Boyce.

Addressing the athletes, Minister Parag encouraged the student players to compete with discipline, integrity and determination while reminding them that sport creates opportunities beyond the court.

She also commended Youth Basketball Guyana for sustaining the championship over the past 19 years, noting that it continues to provide a valuable platform for student-athletes from across the country to showcase their talent while representing their schools.

Adding to that, Minister Jacobs announced a joint programme between his Ministry and the Ministry of Education, to support student athletes off court development, noting, this will allow athletes, from all disciplines, to continue dedicating the time needed in training to excel in their sporting discipline, while maximizing personal development.

“We want to provide opportunities. At the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, along with the Ministry of Education, we have worked together on putting together a sporting program through a scholarship that persons will have in the coming weeks,” Jacobs shared.

Once formalities concluded, the competition wasted little time producing dominant performances across the Girls’ and Boys’ Under-16 divisions.

President’s College opened the girls’ competition with a disciplined, low scoring 10-4 victory over JC Chandisingh Secondary behind Sarah Williams’ all-round effort of five points, three rebounds and four steals, while Paulette Flatts controlled the court with six rebounds.

Hururu Secondary then produced the day’s most commanding girls’ performance, routing Queen’s College 33-4. Kelcia Phillips and Nashanna Vaderburg each scored eight points, while Jenniah Archer added seven points and five rebounds in the comprehensive victory.

Across in the Boys’ Under-16 competition, Skeldon Line Path Secondary announced itself as an early contender with a convincing 36-17 win over School of the Nations. Daniel Duke led the scoring with 13 points, while Chris Promes dominated the paint with 12 rebounds.

Queen’s College also enjoyed a successful start, overwhelming JC Chandisingh Secondary as Liam Bart poured in a game-high 18 points. Antoine Liverpool supported with 10 points, while Demitri Singh chipped in with seven points and five rebounds.

Regional champions Berbice High made a powerful opening statement, defeating The Bishops’ High School 39-11. Avion Kesney continued his outstanding form with 13 points, while Justin Benjamin added nine points and six steals as Berbice forced turnovers throughout the contest to secure a comfortable 28-point victory.

Hururu Secondary maintained its unbeaten start on the opening day by crushing Mackenzie High 30-5 behind Timothy Williams’ efficient shooting display.

St. Stanislaus College also advanced after defeating Plaisance Secondary 32-11, with Quasie Newton leading the way with eight points, three rebounds and three steals, while Marcus Fernandes and Nathaniel Archer anchored the defensive effort.

Marian Academy displayed impressive balance in a 38-19 victory over President’s College as Nyle George produced eight points, five steals and four rebounds. Nehemiah Francisco and Joshua John combined for 16 points to complete the convincing win.

St. Rose’s High rounded off the day’s winners with a 24-9 victory over Tutorial High. Nathan Williams paced the winners with eight points and five rebounds, while Tuyen Paul added six points and four steals. Tutorial’s Keion Lynch accounted for all nine of his team’s points.

Quarter-final action in the Under-16 divisions continued as schools battled for places in the championship rounds of Guyana’s largest secondary school’s basketball tournament.

The 19th National Schools Basketball Festival is sponsored by KFC Guyana with support from Edward B. Beharry Limited, G-Boats Inc., the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Education.

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• KFC, National Schools Basketball, Sonia Parag, Youth Basketball Guyana

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