P.H.A.S.E 1 Kingston emerged as the standout team on Day 2 of the JamRockerz Basketball Classic, securing two crucial victories to become the only local team to advance to the semifinals. Their performance on Saturday not only solidified their place in the final four but also showcased the depth and talent within the team.

 In their first game of the day, Kingston faced Montego Bay in a thrilling double-overtime clash. The game ended in regulation time with the scores tied at 41, but Kingston managed to edge out Montego Bay with a final score of 46-44. Kingston’s standout player, Lebron Lewinson, was instrumental in the win, contributing 19 points and seven rebounds. Montego Bay’s Diare Patterson also had a solid game, scoring 10 points along with three rebounds and two steals.

 Kingston returned to the court later in the day to face Trelawny in another closely contested match. Despite trailing in the first half, Kingston staged a comeback to narrowly defeat Trelawny 56-53. Malik Edward led the scoring for Kingston with 16 points and five rebounds, while Trelawny’s Evire Hines put up a valiant effort with eight points and three steals.

 Trelawny had a tough day, losing both of their games. Earlier, they fell to Canada’s Hardwood Kings by a five-point margin, with the final score-line reading 50-45 in favor of Hardwood Kings. Trelawny’s Christian Handon had a standout performance with 17 points, one rebound, and two steals, while Hardwood Kings’ Elijah Deyon contributed 16 points and one rebound.

 Montego Bay also suffered a heartbreaking one-point loss to Hardwood Kings, with the game ending 53-52. Despite a dominant performance from Reike Brown, who scored 26 points and added two rebounds and a steal, Montego Bay fell just short. Hardwood Kings, bolstered by their consistent scoring, managed to hold on for the win.

 Montego Bay’s coach, Dave Black, reflected on his team’s near misses throughout the tournament. “We played against Team Takeover yesterday and we lost by two. I think all the games we lose by one or two. I think that last three minutes in the game where we need a little bit more focus from the players to just carry us over the line to a victory, but I think some of our young players, some of our 15 and also our 17 year old, I think they step up well playing some of those bigger guys,” Black said.

 With the semifinals set, Kingston will face Team International, while Team Takeover will battle Hardwood Kings. The winners of these matchups will advance to the final, where the inaugural JamRockerz Basketball Classic champion will be crowned.

 The event organizer and coach of Team Kingston expressed his satisfaction with the tournament's success, highlighting its significance for the development of youth basketball in Jamaica. “This has been an event that we have been working on for a while because we understood that in order to raise the level of basketball for the youths here in Jamaica we needed to encourage teams from North America, international teams to come and compete," he said. "We had several challenges with that over the years. Obviously infrastructure – we need a place to play that is cost-effective so this partnership with Montego Bay community college where we can put this floor – indoor wooden floor right here in the heart of the tourist district is huge because now teams are more likely to come because they can experience Jamaica on the tourist side.”

 He added, “I think outside of Team Takeover and Canada, I think all the games that play in the tournament so far are very competitive. I think the initiative has to continue in terms of playing real overseas teams locally and also local guys getting a chance to go overseas to play.”

 The JamRockerz Basketball Classic, sponsored by Jamaica's Tourism Enhancement Fund, NBA Houston Rockets pro player Tari Eason, and Kingston Marley—grandson of the legendary Bob Marley and founder of the Children for Change charity—has brought together top talent from both local and international teams, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the tournament.

 The inaugural JamRockerz Basketball Classic made a spectacular debut at the Montego Bay Community College on Friday, with intense competition and nail-biting finishes setting the tone for the three-day event. The tournament, featuring a mix of overseas and local teams, has quickly established itself as a must-watch event in the Jamaican basketball calendar.

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.