This year’s Youth Basketball Camp, held at the Malta Basketball Association pavilion, brought together young athletes eager to enhance their skills, gain knowledge about the game, and foster teamwork and sportsmanship. The camp was held on the 10th September and welcomed a big number of young players from various backgrounds and clubs.
Camp participants engaged in a mix of technical drills focusing on shooting, dribbling, passing, and defense. Coaches from USA Select provided personalized feedback to help each player improve their skills. Notable local basketball coaches and players were invited to share their insights and experiences. WNBA All Star and now coach Ms. Andrea Stinson, NCAA D1 Head Coach Mr. Kevin Cantwell and Mr. Sean Kilmartin Head Coach of USA Select conducted workshops that enhanced the players’ understanding of the game. Alongside basketball training, the camp included various team-building exercises aimed at fostering camaraderie among participants. These activities reinforced the importance of teamwork on and off the court.
The highlight of the camp was the challenges held in the last part of the camp. Participants showcased their improved skills, competing in a friendly yet competitive environment. The top players were awarded medals, basketballs and Elite Sports merchandise. At the end of the camp participants had the opportunity to take photos and signatures with USA Select players and coaches.
Mr Ruben Baldacchino, of Elite Sports Management, “The camp offered a great opportunity for these youth players to learn from top coaches coming from USA. They had the opportunity to ask and get tips on how to improve their basketball fundamentals skills. It is a once in a lifetime experience and I am sure these young players will remember this experience. They are already asking for next years’ dates! We are proud to offer this opportunity to these kids throughout the tournament that is being held in these days.”
Basketball Game Report
**Date:** 11th September, 2024
**Location:** Malta Basketball Association Pavilion
**Teams:** USA Select vs. Hibernians
**Final Score:** 110 – 69
In an exhilarating matchup on a Wednesday afternoon, saw USA Select faced off against Hibernians at Malta Basketball Association pavilion. The game showcased high energy, intense competition, and remarkable athleticism, culminating in a thrilling victory for the USA Select.
First Quarter: The game started strong with both teams displaying aggressive defense. USA Select took an early lead with various players showcasing their shooting prowess. Hibernians introduced their import for this season in Derek Brown who had an immediate impact on the game. By the end of the first quarter, the score stood at 25-21.
Second Quarter: Hibernians Coach Narcisio made significant adjustments, increasing their defensive intensity and capitalizing on turnovers. Ivan Demcesen of Hibernians was particularly impressive, scoring 18 points and helping to close the gap. The quarter ended with a good run by USA Select for the score of 56-39.
Third Quarter: As the second half commenced, the USA Select team kept building on their lead, utilizing a fast-paced transition game through Malcolm Morgan, David Greer and Dominic DJ Thomas. The third quarter ended with the USA Select leading by 37 points.
Fourth Quarter: Both teams decided to use all their players giving space to young talents such as Neil Cassar and Stefan Simic of Hibernians. USA Select maintained their fast paced game to win the fourth quarter too. The final score reflected the intensity of this entertaining high scoring match: USA Select 110 – Hibernians 69
Key Players – USA Select Daequon Antoine and Hibernians Ivan Demcesen
Andrea Stinson, USA Select Head Coach: “I think that this tournament presented by Elite Sports and supported by VisitMalta has a bright future. I know the USA Select players are enjoying the games as well as the country itself. Basketball in Malta is going to rise to the top because of tournaments like this. The ELITE tournament will bring top talent and also encourage the younger player to become better.”
Christian Narcisio, Hibernians Head Coach: “We are a good mix of young and expert players this season, trying to build our defensive identity, we are working hard for that and obviously, yesterday’s match gave us some good indications and also what we need to work on, aware that the competition we are going to face is going to be different. Our foreigner Brown came just the day before and we are waiting for the other foreigner Wolfe, so I am hopeful of building this identity in the next few weeks and being ready for the championship run, as we want to compete for that.
