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By Samuel Peters
The annual Mahijah Davis Basketball Tournament returns August 13-17 at the JSC Sports Complex, with local organizers determined to dethrone the defending champion Barbados team in what promises to be the most competitive edition yet. Tournament organizer Mahijah Davis expressed confidence that this year’s event will showcase the region’s best Under-16 talent, as key players who missed last year’s competition due to scheduling conflicts will be available for the home tournament.
“Barbados had a very excellent team last year, but they didn’t get to see the best of the best since my son and a couple of the other players went to Tortola for a tournament at the same time,” Davis explained. “This year should be a lot different because those players are going to be here.”
The competition features a round-robin format where each team plays all others, with the top two advancing to Sunday’s championship game. Four teams will participate including the Bajan Ballers from Barbados, Antiguan Ballers, Island Hoopers, and potentially a Barbuda squad. The tournament officially begins August 14, with the 13th reserved for team arrivals.
Much attention centers on rising star Tajahron Davis, who has dominated both school league and second division basketball this season. However, his father emphasized the importance of team chemistry over individual performance. “We’re trying to not make this team just a one-man team,” Mahijah Davis noted. “We’re trying to make sure he can fit in with the other players so we play as a unit to see if we can dethrone Barbados, because one thing Barbados does well is their teamwork and team chemistry.”
The team has practiced for six weeks, planning to intensify training with five to six sessions this week despite the carnival season. Organizers are also working to secure Barbuda’s participation, recognizing their strength after impressive school league performances. The Barbuda team features standout player Eli, who previously represented Antigua in last year’s tournament. “It’s a good thing for us to welcome Barbuda because they have a very nice team,” Davis said.
Local teams are motivated by last year’s result, where Barbados left undefeated with the championship trophy. Davis made their determination clear stating “We sure don’t want Barbados to leave here again undefeated and walking with our trophy back to their home one more time.” With home court advantage and their strongest roster available, the Antigua teams are positioned to challenge for the title while providing valuable development opportunities to test their skills against regional counterparts.
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