The Bermuda Thanksgiving Basketall Classic is a big step for local hoopsters. It’s the first major basketball tournament held on the island for high schoolers.
The Classic promises to bring the excitment of what prep players get in mainland North America to our shores.
Don Burgess provides a look at some of the players on Bermuda’s squads who could make a difference this week.
The Bermuda Thanksgiving Basketball Classic is a big step for local hoopsters. It’s the first major basketball tournament held on the island for high schoolers.
The Classic promises to bring the excitment of what prep players get in mainland North America to our shores.
Don Burgess provides a look at some of the players on Bermuda’s squads who could make a difference this week.
[[In-content Ad]]Tevis Spence
Age: 17
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 140
Position: Point guard
School: Warwick Academy
Favourite NBA player: Chauncey Billups
Why do you play basketball? I play because it’s fun, challenging and keeps me fit.
What is your personal basketball highlight? Winning the high school varsity championships two years in a row.
Coach’s comment: A great point guard. Tevis has always been a winner and led Warwick to BSSF championships. He has been a part of the Bermuda national programme for two years. He is a great floor general and he’s tough as nails. Tevis is one player who can finish under pressure. He takes care of the ball
Ra’ees Tankard
Age: 16
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 115
School: Homeschool
Position: Guard
Favourite NBA player: Juan Dixon
Why do you play basketball? Because I love it.
What is your personal basketball highlight? Making the Under-18 national team.
Coach’s comment: Ra’ees is the best knock down shooter in the national youth programme for the past two years. He’s a natural shooter. Don’t let his size fool you. He is fearless in playing offensively and a feisty defender who has a great knack for the game. He can always be found around the ball and finds a way to make the play.
Aaron Jah-Kil Perinchief
Age: 15
Height: 6’4
Weight: 165
School: CedarBridge Academy
Position: Centre / power forward
Favourite NBA player: Shannon Brown
Why do you play basketball? I play because I love the game.
What is your personal basketball highlight? Dunking on my team-mate.
Coach’s comment: An up and coming player who we are still not sure how we he will develop. Aaron can run a like a deer and can dunk with both hands. We are excited about his potential. He had a stay in the states and that’s helped him tremendously. He is a project, but you can’t teach height and natural ability. We’re hoping he’ll develop into a premier player for Bermuda
Juron Tucker
Age: 15
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 148
School: Warwick Academy
Position: Point guard
Favourite NBA player: Chris Paul
Why do you play basketball? I like the thought it could get me a college scholarship and possibly a future career.
What is your personal basketball highlight? Attending the Five Star Basketball Camp in Orlando, Florida and winning three awards.
Coach’s comment: Juron is Mr. Toughness. He brings his lunch pail every day. This kid is so tough. He can guard anybody. Juron is one scrappy player who is willing to dive on the floor to get the ball. He’s only in 15 so we are expecting great things out of him.
Karem Creary
Age: 15
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 135
School: Somersfield Academy
Position: Shooting guard
Favourite NBA player: Lebron James
Why do you play basketball? It helps develop discipline and character. Also, I find the sport a challenge that allows me to improve myself physically and mentally.
What is your personal basketball highlight? Winning the junior varsity championship in the 2009-10 season.
Coach’s comment: He’s a young buck with track talent. He’s new to the programme but you can see his conditioning from track great athleticism hasn’t played basketball at a high level yet. We’re looking for some great things on down the line. We’re hoping for Karim to be in the men’s league next year
Steven Rance
Age: 16
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 145
School: Saltus
Position: Guard
Favourite NBA player: Lebron James
Why do you play basketball? Inspiration; to get fit; it is an active sport; and to meet new people.
What is your personal basketball highlight? Travelling to Canada and playing on teams there and developing my skills from three years of playing ball.
Coach’s comment: Steven is a solid player who is in the first year of our programme. He is one of those guys who can do a bit of everything. We still don’t know what he can do but his ceiling isn’t anywhere close to being reached yet. We’re excited to give an opportunity to see what he can do in this tournament. He is a very hard worker.
Erik Pearson
Age: 17
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 195
School: Saltus
Position: Forward / centre
Why do you play basketball? I started at the age of five and I don’t give up.
What is your personal basketball highlight? A put back over one of my tallest competitors.
Coach’s comment: You think about his perfect score on his SAT. A very intelligent player. He helps his teammates to understand the game plan. He is willing to bang down low to get rebounds. Erik has a soft touch and he is a great kid. He’s polite — a ‘Yes, Sir, No, Sir’ type of guy. It’s a blssing to have him in the programme
Lucas Barbey
Age: 15
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 135
School: Somersfield Academy
Favourite NBA player: Michael Jordan
Why do you play basketball? I love playing as it’s my favourite sport and I play it every day.
What is your personal basketball highlight? Being the MVP of the junior varsity league in my freshman year.
Coach’s comment: We call Lucas our spotlight. He has an incredible amount of potential. He had 24 points against four players from the national team. He is fearless. One of the impressive things about Lucas is he’s always asking questions as he wants to learn the skills to be the best player he can be. You can count on him to score baskets. Offensively he’s got it all, but defensively he needs some work. It’s going to be scary to see how good he’s going to be.
Anthony Furbert
Age: 18
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 160
School: CedarBridge Academy
Position: Point guard
Favourite NBA player: Chris Paul
Why do you play basketball? I love the sport. I also enjoy the long-term friendships I have made through being involved with basketball.
What is your personal basketball highlight? It was when we were number one in my last varsity season for CedarBridge Academy.
Coach’s comment: Anthony is one of our leaders. He will be the go to guy at crunch time. He has leadership skills, which he displayed when he was captain at CedarBridge. This summer he went to IMG camp to learn more. He was a starter on his men’s summer league team. Bermuda’s B team will go as far as he takes them. We’re looking forward to him making an impact at the national team soon.
Keahno Bean
Age: 14
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 170
School: CedarBridge Academy
Position: Shooting guard / small forward
Favourite NBA player: LeBron James
Why do you play basketball? It is a good sport and it’s great for relieving stress. I also play because my brother has been a great influence on me.
Coach’s comment: He’s a project and is still very young. He’s got great size and great toughness. We want to give him a lot of exposure early. He’s a post player but we’re hoping with some work he’ll be able to play the wing.
Dion Easton
Age: 17
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 160
School: Saltus
Position: Small forward / power forward
Favourite NBA player: Derrick Rose
Why do you play basketball? I’ve always loved the game since my uncle got me started, along with my friends.
What is your personal basketball highlight? Dunking in a game for the first time.
Coach’s comment: Dion is Mr. Highlight. He blocks shots out of nowhere. He’s a college bound player he has loads of potential. He can play both inside and outside and play both offensively and defensively. He’s bound to not only impress locals, but the overseas teams as well.
Alex McLeod
Age: 17
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 145
School: Saltus
Position: Guard
Favourite NBA player: Steve Nash
Why do you play basketball? I started playing because I had nothing to do, but I have really grown to love the sport
What is your personal basketball highlight? Making the Las Vegas team last year.
Coach’s comment: Alex is a seasoned savvy player who can score and slash. The bottom line is he makes plays. Alex rebounds well and he makes up for speed and quickness with toughness and smarts. He is great at anticipation and plays with a lot of grit.
Joshua Reid
Age: 17
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 140
School: Berkeley Institute
Position: Shooting guard / small forward
Favourite NBA player: Kevin Durant
Why do you play basketball? I love the game and I learn valuable skills that will help me in life.
What is your personal basketball highlight? Winning the junior varsity championship against CedarBridge and winning the MVP for the season.
Coach’s comment: Joshua is a left hand spot shooting specialist who is tough as nails. He is not going to back down from anybody. He gets better every day he’s on the court and we’re expecting big things from him as he develops.
Chris Corday
Age: 18
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 190
School: CedarBridge Academy
Position: Shooting guard
Favourite NBA player: Tim Duncan
Why do you play basketball? I absolutely love the game as it teaches desire, determination, dedication and hard work. It shows not only what it takes to succeed in sport but life itself.
What is your personal basketball highlight? Becoming captain of the Under-19 national team during my junior year of high school and learning what it truly means to be a leader.
Coach’s comment: He is a pure scorer with his specialty being the three. Chris has evolved into a nice scorer. He is very efficient we’re looking for him to carry some of the scoring load for Team B.
Avery Williams
Age: 16
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 151
School: CedarBridge Academy
Position: Power forward / small forward
Favourite NBA player: Rudy Fernandez
Why do you play basketball? It helps me to interact with others and keeps me out of trouble. Basketball also teaches me discipline and respect.
What is your personal basketball highlight? Being captain of the junior varsity team.
Coach’s comment: Avery is a workhorse down low. He is all about doing the things that don’t get recognition. He’s a critical piece to a winning team and he only makes any team better because he doesn’t need the ball to be effective.
Donovan Livingston
Age: 16
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 128
School: CedarBridge Academy
Position: Point guard / shooting guard
Favourite NBA player: Shannon Brown
Why do you play basketball? I love it and it keeps me out of trouble.
What is your personal basketball highlight? I had one game where I hit four three-pointers.
Coach’s comment: One of our up and coming scorers as Donovan can flat out shoot it.
We’re hoping that this opportunity will allow him to showcase his talent but that it will also allow him to step up his talent. n
Tevis Spence
Age: 17
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 140
Position: Point guard
School: Warwick Academy
Favourite NBA player: Chauncey Billups
Why do you play basketball? I play because it’s fun, challenging and keeps me fit.
What is your personal basketball highlight? Winning the high school varsity championships two years in a row.
Coach’s comment: A great point guard. Tevis has always been a winner and led Warwick to BSSF championships. He has been a part of the Bermuda national programme for two years. He is a great floor general and he’s tough as nails. Tevis is one player who can finish under pressure. He takes care of the ball
Ra’ees Tankard
Age: 16
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 115
School: Homeschool
Position: Guard
Favourite NBA player: Juan Dixon
Why do you play basketball? Because I love it.
What is your personal basketball highlight? Making the Under-18 national team.
Coach’s comment: Ra’ees is the best knock down shooter in the national youth programme for the past two years. He’s a natural shooter. Don’t let his size fool you. He is fearless in playing offensively and a feisty defender who has a great knack for the game. He can always be found around the ball and finds a way to make the play.
Aaron Jah-Kil Perinchief
Age: 15
Height: 6’4
Weight: 165
School: CedarBridge Academy
Position: Centre / power forward
Favourite NBA player: Shannon Brown
Why do you play basketball? I play because I love the game.
What is your personal basketball highlight? Dunking on my team-mate.
Coach’s comment: An up and coming player who we are still not sure how we he will develop. Aaron can run a like a deer and can dunk with both hands. We are excited about his potential. He had a stay in the states and that’s helped him tremendously. He is a project, but you can’t teach height and natural ability. We’re hoping he’ll develop into a premier player for Bermuda
Juron Tucker
Age: 15
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 148
School: Warwick Academy
Position: Point guard
Favourite NBA player: Chris Paul
Why do you play basketball? I like the thought it could get me a college scholarship and possibly a future career.
What is your personal basketball highlight? Attending the Five Star Basketball Camp in Orlando, Florida and winning three awards.
Coach’s comment: Juron is Mr. Toughness. He brings his lunch pail every day. This kid is so tough. He can guard anybody. Juron is one scrappy player who is willing to dive on the floor to get the ball. He’s only in 15 so we are expecting great things out of him.
Karem Creary
Age: 15
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 135
School: Somersfield Academy
Position: Shooting guard
Favourite NBA player: Lebron James
Why do you play basketball? It helps develop discipline and character. Also, I find the sport a challenge that allows me to improve myself physically and mentally.
What is your personal basketball highlight? Winning the junior varsity championship in the 2009-10 season.
Coach’s comment: He’s a young buck with track talent. He’s new to the programme but you can see his conditioning from track great athleticism hasn’t played basketball at a high level yet. We’re looking for some great things on down the line. We’re hoping for Karim to be in the men’s league next year
Steven Rance
Age: 16
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 145
School: Saltus
Position: Guard
Favourite NBA player: Lebron James
Why do you play basketball? Inspiration; to get fit; it is an active sport; and to meet new people.
What is your personal basketball highlight? Travelling to Canada and playing on teams there and developing my skills from three years of playing ball.
Coach’s comment: Steven is a solid player who is in the first year of our programme. He is one of those guys who can do a bit of everything. We still don’t know what he can do but his ceiling isn’t anywhere close to being reached yet. We’re excited to give an opportunity to see what he can do in this tournament. He is a very hard worker.
Erik Pearson
Age: 17
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 195
School: Saltus
Position: Forward / centre
Why do you play basketball? I started at the age of five and I don’t give up.
What is your personal basketball highlight? A put back over one of my tallest competitors.
Coach’s comment: You think about his perfect score on his SAT. A very intelligent player. He helps his teammates to understand the game plan. He is willing to bang down low to get rebounds. Erik has a soft touch and he is a great kid. He’s polite — a ‘Yes, Sir, No, Sir’ type of guy. It’s a blssing to have him in the programme
Lucas Barbey
Age: 15
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 135
School: Somersfield Academy
Favourite NBA player: Michael Jordan
Why do you play basketball? I love playing as it’s my favourite sport and I play it every day.
What is your personal basketball highlight? Being the MVP of the junior varsity league in my freshman year.
Coach’s comment: We call Lucas our spotlight. He has an incredible amount of potential. He had 24 points against four players from the national team. He is fearless. One of the impressive things about Lucas is he’s always asking questions as he wants to learn the skills to be the best player he can be. You can count on him to score baskets. Offensively he’s got it all, but defensively he needs some work. It’s going to be scary to see how good he’s going to be.
Anthony Furbert
Age: 18
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 160
School: CedarBridge Academy
Position: Point guard
Favourite NBA player: Chris Paul
Why do you play basketball? I love the sport. I also enjoy the long-term friendships I have made through being involved with basketball.
What is your personal basketball highlight? It was when we were number one in my last varsity season for CedarBridge Academy.
Coach’s comment: Anthony is one of our leaders. He will be the go to guy at crunch time. He has leadership skills, which he displayed when he was captain at CedarBridge. This summer he went to IMG camp to learn more. He was a starter on his men’s summer league team. Bermuda’s B team will go as far as he takes them. We’re looking forward to him making an impact at the national team soon.
Keahno Bean
Age: 14
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 170
School: CedarBridge Academy
Position: Shooting guard / small forward
Favourite NBA player: LeBron James
Why do you play basketball? It is a good sport and it’s great for relieving stress. I also play because my brother has been a great influence on me.
Coach’s comment: He’s a project and is still very young. He’s got great size and great toughness. We want to give him a lot of exposure early. He’s a post player but we’re hoping with some work he’ll be able to play the wing.
Dion Easton
Age: 17
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 160
School: Saltus
Position: Small forward / power forward
Favourite NBA player: Derrick Rose
Why do you play basketball? I’ve always loved the game since my uncle got me started, along with my friends.
What is your personal basketball highlight? Dunking in a game for the first time.
Coach’s comment: Dion is Mr. Highlight. He blocks shots out of nowhere. He’s a college bound player he has loads of potential. He can play both inside and outside and play both offensively and defensively. He’s bound to not only impress locals, but the overseas teams as well.
Alex McLeod
Age: 17
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 145
School: Saltus
Position: Guard
Favourite NBA player: Steve Nash
Why do you play basketball? I started playing because I had nothing to do, but I have really grown to love the sport
What is your personal basketball highlight? Making the Las Vegas team last year.
Coach’s comment: Alex is a seasoned savvy player who can score and slash. The bottom line is he makes plays. Alex rebounds well and he makes up for speed and quickness with toughness and smarts. He is great at anticipation and plays with a lot of grit.
Joshua Reid
Age: 17
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 140
School: Berkeley Institute
Position: Shooting guard / small forward
Favourite NBA player: Kevin Durant
Why do you play basketball? I love the game and I learn valuable skills that will help me in life.
What is your personal basketball highlight? Winning the junior varsity championship against CedarBridge and winning the MVP for the season.
Coach’s comment: Joshua is a left hand spot shooting specialist who is tough as nails. He is not going to back down from anybody. He gets better every day he’s on the court and we’re expecting big things from him as he develops.
Chris Corday
Age: 18
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 190
School: CedarBridge Academy
Position: Shooting guard
Favourite NBA player: Tim Duncan
Why do you play basketball? I absolutely love the game as it teaches desire, determination, dedication and hard work. It shows not only what it takes to succeed in sport but life itself.
What is your personal basketball highlight? Becoming captain of the Under-19 national team during my junior year of high school and learning what it truly means to be a leader.
Coach’s comment: He is a pure scorer with his specialty being the three. Chris has evolved into a nice scorer. He is very efficient we’re looking for him to carry some of the scoring load for Team B.
Avery Williams
Age: 16
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 151
School: CedarBridge Academy
Position: Power forward / small forward
Favourite NBA player: Rudy Fernandez
Why do you play basketball? It helps me to interact with others and keeps me out of trouble. Basketball also teaches me discipline and respect.
What is your personal basketball highlight? Being captain of the junior varsity team.
Coach’s comment: Avery is a workhorse down low. He is all about doing the things that don’t get recognition. He’s a critical piece to a winning team and he only makes any team better because he doesn’t need the ball to be effective.
Donovan Livingston
Age: 16
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 128
School: CedarBridge Academy
Position: Point guard / shooting guard
Favourite NBA player: Shannon Brown
Why do you play basketball? I love it and it keeps me out of trouble.
What is your personal basketball highlight? I had one game where I hit four three-pointers.
Coach’s comment: One of our up and coming scorers as Donovan can flat out shoot it.
We’re hoping that this opportunity will allow him to showcase his talent but that it will also allow him to step up his talent.
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