By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE undefeated Centerville Primary Cheetahs clinched the New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association Sherman Smith’s primary boys basketball title as they doubled up the final score against Sandilands Primary.

In the finale of the week-long competition that concluded on the final three days at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium, the Cheetahs emerged with a 26-13 win over Sandilands Primary on Friday.

And in the consolation match, Palmdale got third place as they pulled off an 18-7 decision over Cleveland Eneas.

Championship game

Centerville 26, Sandilands 7: Deangelo Hinsey canned six points in the win, but Kenaz Adderley had a game high seven in a losing cause.

Rashad Cunningham, one of the coaches of the Cheetahs, said they deserved the victory. He noted that they played as champions from start to finish in the game.

“They did what we were supposed to do. We had some long hours of practice and with a lot of the boys in fourth and fifth grades, we wanted to make sure that they get ready for next year,” he said.

Cunningham thanked God for allowing his team to ride a perfect win-loss record during the tournament.

DeShawn Armbrister, the coach of Sandilands Primary, admitted that they gave it their best shot, but Centerville was just that much better on the day and wanted the title more than they did.

“We executed well during the tournament, but in the championship game, our defence sort of collapsed,” he pointed out. “But they pushed and pushed, but we just allowed Centerville to get off to a good start.

“Once they did, we were in a dog fight for the rest of the game. We were not able to catch them up. But they gave it their all and we are very proud of their performances.”

Consolation game

Palmdale 18, Cleveland Eneas 7: Milton Newbold pumped in a game high 14 points in the win. Both Jemar Henry and Austin Deal had three in a losing effort.

“The kids did very well. They have been working hard for months to get to this point,” said Ashley Oembler, the head coach of Palmdale. “The boys were looking exceptional this year, so we knew we had a team that could finish in the top three.”

Semifinal matches

Centerville 10, Palmdale 3: Dion White scored three points to lead the Cheetahs as they advanced to the championship. Deangelo Hinsey also had three in a losing cause as they dropped into the consolation game.

Sandilands 14, Cleveland Eneas 12: Kenaz Adderley poured in a game high 11 points in the win as they advanced to the championship. Jemar Henry had six in the loss as Cleveland Eneas fell into the consolation game.

Association president Latoya Sturrup said the competition was very competitive. “It was not an easy win for any school, but the kids had fun and meeting long-time friends,” Bain said. “The way the pool was set up, schools competed against schools in their area and that eliminated some of the violence. They played together and had some clean fun.”

Patron Sherman Smith’s son, Sherman Jr, was on hand to distribute the medals and team trophies to the winners on Friday.

Bain said the associa- tion was delighted to name the tournament after his father, who passed away during the pandemic. “He came down to support and to present the medals and trophies, so we were happy that he was able to do that.

Smith Jr said he was happy that the association honoured his father in the manner that they did.

“I appreciate it a lot. I know my dad was big on basketball and coaching the sport,” he said. “He was passionate about it, so I am sure that he would have been proud of what is going on for him.”

He lauded Sturrup for remembering his father and he will continue to come out and support the league when they resume play again next season in 2025.

“I know there are a lot of kids who have basketball as their dream, so I’m happy to be able to see so many kids playing and enjoying the sport and following their dreams.”