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Match Report - 3rd Jan 2009 |
The day finally arrived that many young football players in Jamaica had been waiting for: the 4th annual Jonathan Hibbert Football Tournament. As we drive up to Munro on the 3rd of January from Santa Cruz the weather was perfect for a good day of football. The tournament started at 10 am with an opening prayer and welcome from Sean Stewart and Ms Norma Hibbert.
This year’s tournament hosted seven teams:
• Munro College, Steths and Lacovia from St. Elizabeth,
• Belair and Decartret from Manchester,
• Westmoreland All Stars and Portland All Stars.
Belair was voted the best-dressed team.
Almost 200 players were on hand ready to play their hearts out to try book a place to join the other 32 players that have received scholarships from the previous three tournaments. All of which have gone on to do well both on and off the field. The tournament has grown over the years, with more sponsors, more media coverage, players and supporters. It was really good to see that many of the past players who have benefited from the tournament travelled back to Jamaica to give back and lend a hand.
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The first game got under way at 10:15 a.m. between Belair and Decartret; both schools are from the parish of Manchester. The players were a little nervous at first because of the American coaches watching and because the tournament was being televised. But after the first few minutes of playing everyone calmed down and the game continued smoothly. The game was played in 15 minute halves to allow each player ample time to showcase their talents.
There was a lot of excitement; the game was very physical from the start as both teams from the same parish competed to prove who was the best. As the day went on and each team took the field the quality of each game got more intense. One of the most memorable games was between Lacovia and Munro College two rival teams from the St Elizabeth parish. Lacovia has recently joined the ranks of the elite teams for high school football in the parish. The Dacosta Cup is the main high school football competition for all schools in Jamaica. Usually Steths and Munro have dominated in the competition having always advanced out of the parish group stage, but in 2008 Lacovia made it all the way to the semi finals before losing to St. James High. It was none stop action from both ends of the field between Munro and Lacovia.
This game on paper should have been a high scoring game because of the caliber of players on each team, but it was more of a defensive game. The game ended in a one / one tie. The highlight of the game and probably the whole tournament was a goal from Chavez Channa; it was an unbelievable shot from outside the 18-yard box that brought the spectators to their feet.
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Each team played two games and the top two teams at the end of the day played to see who would walk away with The Jonathan Hibbert Memorial Championship Trophy. Lacovia and Steths made it through to the finals. Lacovia was a first timer in the finals in the 4 years since this tournament started, but Steths had made their 3rd appearance in the finals, winning one and losing the other to Black River in penalty kicks last yr.
Before the finals started, we all knew that this game was going to be a grudge match because most of the players from each team play for the same club team. As the first whistle blew and the finals got on the way, the players did not disappoint the crowd or the coaches watching. It was exciting, physical, great passes, great communication, and each player played as if it was their last game on earth. We were all hoping that this game didn’t go to penalty kicks, because the previous three tournaments winners were all decided by penalties.
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There is this saying in the world of sports that goes like this “defence wins championship.” It was proven on this day that the saying is true. Both teams defence stood up well to each offense had to offer. Because of sturdy defence for the fourth year in a row, this year’s winner would also be determined by penalties after a nil/nil score in regulation and overtime. After flipping a coin to see which team would kick first, Lacovia won the toss and elected to go first. Lacovia took the first shot and missed, Steths went after and scored, but do not count Lacovia out as yet. They made their next three in a row and ended up winning the shootout and was crowned champion of the tournament.
The coaches were astonished by the amount of talent that they saw, so they wanted to get another look at a few of the players at the tournament. So they selected almost 40 players to come out on Monday at 3 p.m. at Steths, The 4th annual Jonathan Hibbert Tournament was a success!
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We would like to take this time to thank: all visiting coaches, all the local players, coaches and spectators, CVM, TVJ, Waterloo Guest House, Real Value Super Market, Tropical Blue, Black River Ice, Nembhard’s gas Station, RJR, Klass, and Vibes Fm for their wonderful support. Once again thanks and hope to see you all next year.
By Copeland Lewis
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Comments from founders and coaches |
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The JHF Basketball Showcase |
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On the request of the US coaches the JHF added basketball to the line up of events for the students to show their talents.
On invitation, a selected set of young talented male and female players were summoned from across the island to showcase their skills. Present were 16 boys and 12 girls, the majority og whom came from Kingston, a couple came from the western conference and one from the central conference.
The trials went fairly smoothly.The overseas coaches introduced themselves and explained their objectives for the camp. Under their watchful eyes, the girls then the boys were taken through their paces with general technical and tactical drills to demonstrate their individual skill level in dribbling, passing, shooting, 2 x1, 3 x 2, and 5x 5.
The coaches seem quite impress with the display of talent and in particular the passion with which the guys went at each other on the court. They singled out a few that could be eligible for a scholarship, among those that received a special mentioned were Sasha Dixon, Kwame Lawerence, Jovan Baily and Adrian Blake. |
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Basketball in Jamaica
The Jamaica Basketball Association (JBA) - previously JABA - has been in existence since the late 1960's, and league games have become an annual event since the 1970's. Recently there has been a surge in the popularity of basketball in Jamaica especially with the support of Jamaican born NBA player Patrick Ewing who holds an annual summer basket ball camp in Jamaica. This has led to the formulation of a league that is actively support and heavily contested by teams in Jamaica.
The female program, even though not as vibrant as the males’, has been doing relatively well. Several players have received scholarships to tertiary institutions mainly in the United States, while a few have played in the semi and professionally in leagues in the U.S. and Europe. Over the last 10 years, basketball has become the fastest growing sport on the island, and today ranks in the top five in terms of participation and popularity. The success of our program can be measure by the following:
- The game is played nationally in five different regions; each region controlled by a president who serves as a Vice President for the national body.
- Eighty-seven schools participate in the KFC sponsored National Basketball League (NBL), with teams in 3 categories, namely under 14, under 16 and under 19.
- There are over 100 teams in the Secondary/High School League (Division 2).
- The most advanced league is the National Basketball League (NBL) where 12 teams compete.
- In 1998 a national certification program for coaches was launched, since then over 200 hundred coaches have been certified.
- A mini program that caters to children under the age of 12 years was started in 2002 with 10 schools; today there are 40 schools participating (boys and girls combined).
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See below video clips showcaing some of the talent that was on show at the tournament
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Call Them, They Will Come – Field of Dreams (1989)
IT WAS 8am, the frost crisp on the ground, a few lone players stood huddled on the field for warmth as the tents went up. By mid morning 150 players
from 13 teams were all standing proudly listening to the speeches, their hearts pounding as they waited for the starting whistle. The teams came from Kingston,
Manchester, St Elizabeth and still they kept coming as news travelled that the American coaches were in town offering $JA 1 billion worth of scholarships. The organisers had underestimated the popularity of the event; they expected 10 teams and 100 players and were blown away when an additional 5 teams turned up.
Football normally just a game of grit, passion and energy, united the players with one goal to more than just win medals but to win themselves a better future.
The Tournament played in two zones was full of spice and excitement. Both sides thrusting forward, surrendering and gaining possession in midfield only for the defence to live up to their name. The goalkeepers, in particular made some astonishing saves. The control and passing were superb, at times there almost appeared to be a telepathic connection between players as a ball was played, dropping practically onto a players feet as the crowd roared their approval. There were, as the referee confirmed after the game, some excellent periods of play.
Jamaica may have just voted in its first female Prime Minister but it would seem that women are doing it in Jamaica both on and off the field. With Excelsior’s national players in the TV studio the more even matched team was beaten 4-2 on the day by the combined local team of STETHS, Hampton and
Balaclava. Several of the ladies have been selected by the American coaches and will start college in August in time for the pre-season games.
There was much excitement as STETHS played their old rivals Munro, unfortunately for the hosts the might of STETHS was too much as they powered into the final. Tempers flared temporarily as Black River were knocked out by EssexValley in the semi-finals. Black River wanted the nil-nil semi final to be decided on penalties but the professionalism of the support staff saw the disagreement dissipate as the rules where explained. We didn’t have to wait too long for penalties, as Essex
Valley and STETHS the winners of the two zones went head to head in the final. The closely played match ended in a thrilling penalty shoot out with STETHS holding their nerve to win 4-3 on penalties. The referee blew for full time signalling the end of what had been a successful day for all. The players shook hands, hugged and congratulated each other on a hard fought encounter.
The American coaches were struck not only by the talent on the field but the wonderful atmosphere and spirit and the impeccable behaviour of the players. Never was the Jamaican motto more true, from the Spectators, Players, Helpers, Organisers, Sponsors and Munro College we all worked together with one vision to make Johno’s Tournament a success and show others how seriously we take our sports in Jamaica.
The Final Whistle
A big thank you to everyone who supported this event, including sponsors, organisers, players, referees and linesmen, those who came along to watch, and those who gave financially. Thank you to all the coaches both from the US and JA and for the continual support you have offered to the players.
Congratulations to Jayshree O Ebanks - St Bess (ladies) and Adian Tillock – (STETHS) (mens) for winning most valuable players of the Tournament. The support which we have had from the press has been phenomenal. Exceptional thanks to MunroCollege for hosting the event and assisting the family to keep Jonathan’s memory alive. Finally to Johno’s Munro Brothers words cannot not begin to describe the love and support, we may have lost a son but we have gained a family.
Thank you all for making the first Jonathan Hibbert Memorial Games such a special event.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.
Nelson Mandela
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