Inaugural JamRockerz Basketball Classic tips off this morning in Montego Bay

By Sports Desk August 16, 2024

P.H.A.S.E.1 Academy is pleased to announce the inaugural JamRockerz Basketball Classic which is scheduled to start at 9:30 this morning and run until Sunday, August 18, at the Montego Bay Community College.

The tournament will feature elite teams, including the #1 club program in the USA, Team Takeover from Maryland, DC, Hardwood Kings from Brampton, Onario, Canada, and P.H.A.S.E.1 Academy International which comprises P.H.A.S.E.1 members from the United States and Canada. Jamaica will be represented in this six-team pool play event by P.H.A.S.E.1 Academy Kingston JA, P.H.A.S.E.1 Academy Montego Bay JA, and P.H.A.S.E.1 Academy Trelawny, JA

 This highly anticipated youth basketball tournament is poised to become a premier season-ending event for top youth club teams from around the world, providing a unique blend of high-level competition and cultural experience in Jamaica’s prime tourist district.

 The event comes on the heels of a historic international travel season for P.H.A.S.E.1 Academy, which saw the club secure its first U17 Championship in Miami, FL, and a U19 tournament championship in Atlanta, GA. The JamRockerz Basketball Classic aims to build on this success and continue the momentum by offering a thrilling weekend of basketball and cultural exchange.

 "Competitions like the JamRockerz Basketball Classic are vital to the growth and development of basketball in Jamaica," said Wayne Dawkins, global director and coach for P.H.A.S.E.1 Academy. "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.

 Dave Black, the Jamaican director and coach for P.H.A.S.E.1 Academy, added, "We’ve worked hard to connect with some of the best youth clubs from around the world, and we’re excited to showcase the talents of this inaugural group here in Montego Bay."

 The JamRockerz Basketball Classic is made possible through the support of several key partners, including Jamaica's Tourism Enhancement Fund, which recognizes the tournament’s potential to boost local tourism by drawing international visitors to Montego Bay. NBA Houston Rockets pro player Tari Eason who will be in attendance to motivate the young athletes and present special gifts to the participants. Additionally, the event is supported by Kingston Marley, grandson of the legendary Bob Marley, and founder of the Children for Change charity. Kingston, who began his charity work at just 9 years old, now at 16, plays alongside his peers as a member of P.H.A.S.E.1 Academy Jamaica.

 Tickets for the JamRockerz Basketball Classic will be available at the door, priced at $500 for local students and $1,000 for local adults.

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