The C.C. Sweeting Cobras overcame an early deficit to claim the Bahamas National High School Championship over the St. George's Jaguars, 60-55. Deputy Prime Minister Philip 'Brave' Davis and Domino's representatives presented the Cobras with the championship trophy. (Photo: Shayne Stubbs)

The Hugh Campbell Championship was a "sweet" victory for the C.C. Sweeting Cobras a couple weeks ago, but becoming the first Bahamas National High School Basketball Champions... priceless.

The Cobras etched their name as the top senior boys' basketball team with a 60-55 triumph over the St. George's Jaguars. The win came a couple days after the Jaguars edged the Cobras in their semi-finals match-up.

Anderias Black was a man on a mission. He led the Cobras with a performance of 24 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks, to garner Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors. Black shot 8-for-11 from the field, drilling home five of his six three-point attempts. He got help from teammate Michael Bethel, who finished with 12 points and eight rebounds. Adrian Thompson finished with 11 points and nine boards for the Cobras.

Sherman Robinson finished with 10 points to go with 23 rebounds for the Jaguars. Travaughn Nicholls also had a double-double, with 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Jags.

The Jaguars got off to a fast start with back-to-back buckets from Franklyn Petion (18 points, seven rebounds, two assists). They raced out to a 14-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Cobras took their first lead of the game deep in the second quarter, but trailed the Jaguars 24-21 headed into the half.

The Jaguars opened up the second half with another fast start, which propelled them to another double-digit lead, but known to make a run when trailing by 10 or more, the Cobras kept within striking distance. Eventually, they tied the game up, and the teams went into the fourth quarter tied at 35 apiece.

The Cobras rallied to a 44-40 lead midway through the fourth, but the Jaguars kept the Cobras in their sights up to the closing moments of the game. The contentious final minutes of play saw the Jaguars take a brief 48-46 lead before the Cobras got big contributions from Bethel down the stretch to close the Jaguars out. Cobras' Head Coach Mario Bowleg said the national title win is one of historic value for the high school.

"Man, this feels so sweet it almost brings tears to my eyes because history could not repeat itself, and when you're the first time to ever win something for the first time in history; I'll go back to the Hugh Campbell," he said.

"C.C. Sweeting was the first school to play in the Hugh Campbell Championship along with L.W. Young but we lost, and coming into this tournament I let the guys know something that occurred before they were born. I told them now C.C. has the opportunity to be one of the first schools to play in the championship of another inaugural tournament, and this time we came out on top. So, when the next 15, 30, 40 years come by people are always going to remember the Cobras of C.C. Sweeting won the first and no one could ever take that away from us," he added.

Bowleg described his team as a motivational factor for him to continue on as a coach.

"These guys made me want to quit many times. I can honestly say, because of them and the things that they go through socially and away from basketball; that makes me want to stick in there and help these guys in life, not just basketball but to use basketball as a vehicle to make these guys better citizens in the country. They also understand what it takes when things are on the line and what they've learned is how to achieve things when they want it, and that will make them better citizens of achieving greatness in life."

Selected to the All-Tournament Team were Franco Miller of the Tabernacle Baptist Falcons (Sportsmanship award, most steals and most assists), Adam Johnson of the Jordan Prince Williams Falcons, Venson Ferguson of Abaco Central High Marlins (most points), Petion, Anderias Black (MVP, most blocks), and Janeko Russell of the Tabernacle Baptist Falcons.

The family island championship went to the Eight Mile Rock Blue Jays after a game sealing free throw gave them the 61-60 edge over the Mary Star of the Sea Crusaders with 0.4 seconds to go in the fourth. Delano Dean poured in 19 points and Deven Williams earned the MVP award.

The Family Island All-Tournament selections were Shannon Nabby of Cat Island (most steals), Delano Dean (most points), Ty Dawkins of the Bishop Michael Eldon School (BMES) Warriors, Jordache Basden of the BMES Warriors, George Williams of the Crusaders (most steals) and Ehvon Storr of North Andros (most blocks). Voshawn Russell led the tournament in assists.

The senior girls national title was won by the Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins.

Shayne Stubbs

FN Sports Reporter

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