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Barnwell dominates as athletes win 2nd Celebrity Basketball game

Christopher Barnwell receiving MVP award and Trophy
Christopher Barnwell receiving MVP award and Trophy

West Indies cricketer Christopher Barnwell showed that he could perform as well on the court as on the field when he managed a double at the 2nd Annual Celebrity Basketball game. Barnwell participated as a point guard for the Athletes who played against the Entertainers who won the title last year.

The game was evenly matched up to halftime with Don Gialiani drilling some smooth jumpers and layups for the entertainers, while reporter Edison Jefford and Barnwell led the charge for the Athletes. Heading into halftime the scoreboard read 23-22 in favor of the Entertainers.

Team Athletes
Team Athletes

The Athletes however were not daunted and went on a 6-0 run when play resumed. After this point it was all over as Jefford and Barnwell dominated the offensive boards. Barnwell finished the game with 20 points and 10 rebounds and was named MVP.

There were highlights too as singer Lisa Punch and table tennis player Jody Ann Blake provided some comical moments when they attempted to dribble the ball. Fitness trainer Curtis McKenzie was certainly fit and fast but lacked coordination thus giving the large crowd added entertainment.

Trophies and Prizes

In the supporting game Youth Basketball Guyana led by Akeem ‘the sensational dream’ Khanai defeated Knights Basketball club the evening’s hosts 44-31. QUALFON got the better of Giftland in a low scoring 21-39 game and LAPARKAN edged Republic Bank 52-49 in the opening game.

Team Entertainers
Team Entertainers

A larger than normal crowd turned out to watch the game even with a Jamzone event being held on the same night. Given the excitement and support generated by the event basketball fans are looking forward to next year.
All proceeds will be donated to the Deaf Institute.

By – Andrew Ross

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Ramnaresh Sarwan confirms participation in Knights Basketball Celebrity Game

Ramnaresh Sarwan
Former West Indies Captian - Ramnaresh Sarwan

Former West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan has indicated his willingness and enthusiasm to compete in the Second Annual Knights Basketball Club Celebrity Basketball Game which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 20th 2011 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The brilliant right-handed batsman will be making his debut in the event this year, which featured fellow national athletes and entertainers such as Stephen Vieira, Howard Lowe, Ronson Williams, Chow Pow and Don Gialiani last year.
“Well it means a lot to me, I missed it last year but I’m really excited about competing this year… I think should be very interesting, funny and entertaining” Sarwan said.

The accomplished West Indian batsman, who has 15 test centuries and 31 half centuries, said that although he expects the event to be mostly exciting and entertaining, he does not underestimate the sport and how demanding it could be.
“Hopefully I’ll be fit enough [for the game],” Sarwan said.
The 31-year-old middle order batsman did not disclose much about his basketball background, since he wanted his supporters to attend the event to judge for themselves. He did, however, modestly state, “I played a bit of street ball, or yard basketball if you want to say that.”

Sarwan commended organiser of the event Kester Gomes, who is the president of Knights basketball club, saying that it is a very impacting event considering Gomes’ intention and drive.
“Anything to deal with supporting a charity or a cause like this is always good to be involved with and it’s an honour for me to be a part of this…” Sarwan added.

Sarwan and the other celebrities will be playing for The Support Group for Deaf Persons, which has been earmarked as the charity for this year’s event. Last year, proceeds for the game were donated to Joshua’s House. According to Gomes, The Support Group for Deaf Persons was chosen this year because it is an organisation that is often overlooked or forgotten.
Some of the other celebrities that played in last year’s event were national rugby captain Claudius Butts and coach Theodore Henry; six-time Sportswoman of the Year, Nicolette Fernandes; national cricketers Christopher Barnwell, Stephen Jacobs and Leon Johnson. Organisers promised some fresh faces at the event this year, although a few of the players from last year will compete once again.

By – Kester Gomes