Hardwood Kings

The six-team tournament includes three overseas-based teams: Team Takeover from Maryland, DC, the Hardwood Kings from Brampton, Ontario, Canada, and P.H.A.S.E.1 Academy International, which is composed of P.H.A.S.E.1 members from both the United States and Canada. Representing Jamaica are P.H.A.S.E.1 Academy teams from Kingston, Montego Bay, and Trelawny, making for a diverse and competitive pool play event.

Friday's action kicked off with a closely contested battle between Hardwood Kings and P.H.A.S.E.1 Academy International, where the latter edged out a 67-65 victory. Dwain Cummings led the way for International with 21 points, eight rebounds, an assist, and two steals. Meanwhile, Hardwood Kings' Elijah Harriott made a valiant effort with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks.

In the second game, Team Takeover claimed a narrow 56-53 win over Montego Bay. Clausell was instrumental in Takeover’s success, contributing 20 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a block. Montego Bay's Daire Patterson stood out with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks.

Team International returned to the court later in the day for a dominant 65-46 victory over Trelawny. Anthony Ingeton was the star performer, scoring 20 points, grabbing eight rebounds, dishing out an assist, and recording two steals. Trelawny's Daniel Clarke put up a solid fight with 12 points, five rebounds, two steals, and a block.

The final game of the day saw Team Takeover overpower Kingston with a decisive 52-23 win. Takeover’s 6’8” forward Elijah Flowers led with 16 points and five rebounds, while Kingston’s 5’10” guard Lebron Lewison managed eight points and a steal.

Mark Francis, coach of P.H.A.S.E.1 Academy International, praised the high level of competition at the Classic. "The competition is very strong. We are first in our side of the bracket. The other side of the bracket, we definitely have to give respect to. They look very strong and we are looking forward to the semi-finals tomorrow and see if we can win this championship,” Francis remarked. He also noted the impressive skill level on display, highlighting the athleticism and speed of the players, which he believes is comparable to what is seen in Canada.

Wayne Dawkins, global director and coach for P.H.A.S.E.1 Academy, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of events like the JamRockerz Basketball Classic for the growth and development of basketball in Jamaica. "With the incredible support of our partners, we’re confident that this event will put Jamaica on the map as a global destination for competitive youth basketball,” Dawkins said.

 As the JamRockerz Basketball Classic progresses, all eyes will be on the remaining matchups as teams battle for the coveted championship title. With strong performances from both local and international teams, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion to this inaugural tournament.

 From the opening whistle, Takeover set the tone for the match, establishing a commanding 17-7 lead by the end of the first quarter. They continued to assert their dominance in the second quarter, extending their lead to 35-13. By the third quarter, the score had ballooned to 53-19, effectively sealing Kingston's fate. Takeover eased off slightly in the final quarter, closing out the game with a 9-2 run to secure the emphatic win.

 Cole Riley was the standout performer for Takeover, contributing 15 points, three rebounds, and four steals. Kingston’s Lebron Lewinson, despite his team's struggles, managed to score nine points, including a three-pointer, and added five rebounds and a steal.

 Takeover's assistant coach Marvin Riley praised his players for their outstanding effort throughout the tournament. “The kids played exceptionally well. They did what they were supposed to do—come to Jamaica and take over,” he said, highlighting the team's focus and determination.

 Riley also offered high praise for the Jamaican players, acknowledging their hard work and athleticism. “You guys have great players. More than anything, you play hard. You play exceptionally hard. You have good athletes. You need skill development, better facilities, and you need to really pour into the kids and have them believe they can play at an exceptionally high level because you have the talent,” Riley added.

 In the third-place play-off, Team International edged out Hardwood Kings from Ontario, Canada, in a close 49-46 victory. International’s Dwain Cummings posted an impressive double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Hardwood Kings’ Elijah Deyon contributed 16 points.

 Earlier in the day, Kingston earned their place in the final by defeating International 49-44 in their semifinal match-up. Lewinson again led Kingston with 12 points, five rebounds, two steals, and three assists, while Cummings was International’s top performer with eight points and five rebounds.

 Takeover’s path to the final was marked by a commanding 70-22 victory over Hardwood Kings in the other semifinal. Liberty Fusire led Takeover with a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Elijah Brown of Hardwood Kings managed nine points.

 The JamRockerz Basketball Classic, which also featured teams from Montego Bay and Trelawny, was deemed a resounding success by event organizer and coach of Kingston, Wayne Dawkins of P.H.A.S.E. 1 Academy. “I think that it is amazing. The support, you saw the energy, the kids on the floor, they understood what this was about. It doesn’t matter that Team Takeover is the number one club in America, they came out and they fought, and that’s what we want to see,” Dawkins said. He also expressed gratitude to the event's sponsors and partners, including Dr. Carey Wallace of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), NBA Houston Rockets player Tari Eason, and Kingston Marley, the grandson of Bob Marley.

 Cole Riley was named MVP of the tournament, receiving his award from Dr. Wallace. Liberty Fusire was recognized as the Defensive Player of the Tournament, with his award presented by Kingston Marley.

 The tournament’s All-Star team featured six standout players: D’Aire Patterson (Montego Bay), Daniel Clarke (Trelawny), Elijah Deyon (Hardwood Kings), Dwain Cummings (International), Lebron Lewinson (Kingston), and Doran Clausell (Takeover).

 The JamRockerz Basketball Classic successfully showcased top-tier talent and competition, setting the stage for what promises to be a highly anticipated annual event in Jamaica's basketball calendar.