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• Denise Alleyne highlights positives despite Bajan Gems 0-3 loss to Northern Ireland in Paradise Cup Series

  Despite being swept 0-3 by Northern Ireland Warriors in a three-match Paradise Cup series, Barbados Gems head coach Denise Alleyne took heart from her team’s performances, as she believes the experience will serve them well going forward.

  For Alleyne, the fact that young players from the 15th-ranked Gems were exposed to rubbing shoulders with more seasoned players was an even bigger highlight of their campaign against 11th ranked Northern Ireland, which ended at the Sir Garfield Sobers Gymnasium on Tuesday.

  Northern Ireland won 53-43, 66-39, and 55-45.

  “The biggest takeaway from the Northern Ireland Test series for me was the introduction of the new young players, especially ones that came forward from the Under-21, and just having a glimpse of what the future of netball could be,” Alleyne said.

  “I was so very proud of their performance, even the ones who only played for a quarter. They went on and gave 100 per cent. So it gave me some hope, because, as you know, the team does have a mix of older and younger players, and then there are some in between who would have been Under-21 nationals just a couple of years ago, so it is a good mix,” she added. 

  Alleyne explained that tournaments like these are important to the Barbados’ netball development and that of younger players, in particular, as they displayed grit and commitment throughout, even as the odds were stacked against them in more ways than one.

  “I did see a lot of individual improvement, in terms of player development both on and off the court. The girls played with a lot of heart. I knew that it would have been a challenge – I did believe that we could have won at least one of the games, because I don’t think Northern Ireland is 20 or 30 goals better than we are,” Alleyne told Barbados Today.

  “But you know, we had circumstances with injuries and stuff, and we also had situations where people had to go to work and then hustle to get there for the game in the evening time. So that too would have played a part in how rested and prepared people were for the game on the night. But it is a circumstance beyond our control,” she noted, adding that she anticipates significant growth over time.

• Romelda Aiken-George re-signs with Adelaide Thunderbirds for 2025 season

  The Adelaide Thunderbirds have secured a powerhouse for their 2025 campaign, re-signing four-time national premiership winner Romelda Aiken-George for a second season in pink. The Jamaican superstar, renowned for her towering presence under the post, will return to the Suncorp Super Netball League as one of the most formidable goal shooters in the game.

  Aiken-George, entering her 16th season in the national league, delivered an extraordinary performance in 2024. She racked up a staggering 736 Nissan Net Points, netted 517 goals, and pulled down 69 rebounds. Her impact was undeniable, culminating in a Player of the Match performance during the Grand Final, where she amassed 57.5 NNP, 42 goals, and 10 rebounds to lead the Thunderbirds to victory.

  Her debut in Round 1 against the Queensland Firebirds was nothing short of spectacular, scoring 48 goals and officially becoming Thunderbird #108. With 230 games to her name, Aiken-George's experience and skill set make her an irreplaceable asset for the Thunderbirds' attack end.

  Thunderbirds General Manager of High Performance, Jace Bode, expressed his excitement about Aiken-George's return. "Romelda was a dominant target for us under the post in 2024 and once again showed why she is one of the best shooters the sport has ever seen," Bode remarked. "Her competitiveness on court and ability to take ball in the air and convert to goal was second to none. She added invaluable experience to our attack line and built strong connections with the players around her. We look forward to welcoming her back in 2025."

  Aiken-George's re-signing is more than just a continuation of her journey; it's a statement of intent from the Thunderbirds. With her at the helm of their attack, the team is poised to defend their title and continue their reign as the league's top team.

  Fans can expect nothing less than brilliance from Aiken-George as she dons the pink once more, ready to lead the Thunderbirds to further glory in 2025.

• Jamaican players dominate 2024 Suncorp Super Netball League, powering teams to the top

  In a thrilling and fiercely competitive 2024 Suncorp Super Netball League season, Jamaican players stood out as dominant forces, leading their teams to the top of the league standings and excelling in numerous individual statistical categories. As the season concluded, two teams featuring prominent Jamaican talent were locked in a tie for points, a testament to the significant impact of these athletes on the league.

  The West Coast Fever, led by the indomitable Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, had a stellar season, thanks in large part to Fowler-Nembhard's all-around brilliance. Over 16 games, she amassed an astonishing 1,782.5 Nissan Net Points, making her the top player of the tournament. Fowler-Nembhard's capability was instrumental in the Fever's success, earning her recognition as one of the league's most valuable players.

  On the defensive end, Shamera Sterling-Humphrey of the Adelaide Thunderbirds showcased her prowess, finishing third in Nissan Net Points with 1,481.5 points. Her ability to anchor the Thunderbirds' defense was pivotal to their impressive season, where her consistent performances proved critical in securing key victories and back-to-back titles.

  Romelda Aiken-George, also representing the Adelaide Thunderbirds, dominated the league in offensive rebounds, securing 69 crucial second-chance opportunities. Her tenacity on the boards was a significant factor in the Thunderbirds' relentless offensive pressure, making her a cornerstone of their strategy.

  Fowler-Nembhard also made her presence felt in the offensive rebounding category, finishing fifth with 42 offensive rebounds, further emphasizing her well-rounded contributions to the Fever’s campaign. Sterling-Humphrey continued her defensive dominance by leading the league with 36 defensive rebounds. Her ability to disrupt opponents' offenses and control the boards was unmatched, reinforcing her status as a defensive stalwart.

  In terms of goal-scoring, Fowler-Nembhard once again proved why she is considered one of the best, netting a league-leading 813 goals. Her precision and commanding presence in the goal circle were crucial in the Fever’s ascent to the top ranks. Aiken-George also delivered an outstanding performance, ranking third with 517 goals, further highlighting the strength of Jamaican shooters in the league.

  Fowler-Nembhard's influence extended beyond just scoring, as she led the league in goal attempts with 846, showcasing her ability to create and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Aiken-George followed closely behind, ranking third with 593 attempts, cementing her role as a vital offensive weapon for the Thunderbirds.

  Defensively, Sterling-Humphrey continued to excel, leading the league with 96 deflections. Latanya Wilson, another Jamaican standout with the Thunderbirds, was second with 82 deflections, while Kadie-Ann Dehaney of the West Coast Fever secured fifth place with 56 deflections.

  Sterling-Humphrey's knack for timely interceptions also saw her top the league with 44, consistently turning defense into offense with her sharp instincts. Wilson, with 42 interceptions, was right on her heels, underscoring the depth of Jamaican defensive talent in the league.

  As the dust settled on the 2024 season, the Adelaide Thunderbirds, Melbourne Vixens, and West Coast Fever were all tied at the top with 44 points. This remarkable finish was a testament to the extraordinary contributions of Jamaican players, whose skills, leadership, and determination not only shaped the outcomes of individual games but also defined the season as a whole. Whether it was Fowler-Nembhard's goal-scoring prowess, Sterling-Humphrey's defensive mastery, or Aiken-George's consistency, the Jamaican stars left an indelible mark on the Suncorp Super Netball League, ensuring that their teams remained in the hunt for the championship until the very end.