FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- The St. George's Jaguars pulled off last night what could easily be considered the biggest upset in high school basketball this season -- knocking off the No. 1 ranked Tabernacle Baptist Falcons, 61-53, in the senior boys championship game of The Bahamas National High School Basketball Championships. The game was played on the Jaguars' home court, at the St. George's Gymnasium in Freeport, Grand Bahama, but they still were a huge underdog to the Falcons, who won both the Hugh Campbell Classic and the Grand Bahama Secondary Schools Athletic Association (GBSSAA) titles this year. On Monday night, the Falcons trailed the entire game and never got closer than five in the second half.
Howard Hinzey and Kyle Smith poured in 16 points apiece in the win for the Jaguars. For his effort, Hinzey was named the game's Most Valuable Player (MVP).
"This feels very good. We went to the finals but couldn't finish the job last year so this win really means a lot," said Hinzey. "When we got back here this time we wanted to make sure that we were able to seal the deal. From this game, I'll be moving on to Pensacola State where I will try to take my game to the next level."
The Jaguars managed to pull out the win despite trailing in most of the statistical categories.
Jaguars' Head Coach Darrel Sears said he credits his team's toughness and work ethic for the win on the biggest stage they have played on all year.
"To God be the glory great things He has done. We lost early and it was a blessing in disguise," he said. "For the fact that we played more games than Tabernacle, and it allowed us to fix some things, that was a factor. We went through some bumps and bruises, but we saw growth and we were confident that once we came in and corrected what we saw that we were doing wrong in the other games, we put it all together we would win this game."
Desmond Butler led the way for the Falcons with 12 points. Hugh Campbell MVP Franco Miller struggled mightily in the game. He finished just 1-for-15 from the field and went 0-for-8 from behind the three-point line.
Prior to last night's loss, Tabernacle was the only senior boys team in the 'A' division to go through the tournament undefeated.

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