ST.JOSEPH SCHOOL READY TO SHINE IN THE NAGICO BASKETBALL FINALS

St. Maarten June 4th, 2008

Philipsburg, St. Maarten - The elementary school basketball competition has come down to the wire. The St. Joseph School is set to take on The Ruby Labega Primary School at 6pm, Friday 6th June 2008. The two schools are at the top of their games, with the St. Joseph school coming in second to Ruby Labega during last years school competition.

In an interview with the St. Joseph school players and principal it could be clearly seen that the finals were not being taken lightly.

When asked about their opponents on Friday the unofficial spokesman for the team, Jameson Pierre Louis stated, "Some of the kids are skillful, that is why they won the championship last year." This answer was supported by the entire team. When asked about their competitive edge, the St. Joseph side replied, "We are younger and quicker, we play [well] together and we have a lot of discipline."

They were supported in their comments by the principal Carmen Bowers-Lake. She said, "Discipline is a very important aspect of school, we have had a basketball program for five years with the same coach, Ashton Lake.

When asked about the value of the NAGICO Basketball Tournament, Mrs. Bower- Lake added, "We have kids who are not academically inclined, so these sporting events provide them with an opportunity to experience success." It seems like the St. Joseph basketball team is primed and ready to win this tournament following a recent win of the Mini Basketball Tournament in Aruba and another local win- The Interscholastic Basketball Tournament.

The question is; will the team have enough heart and skill to beat their biggest competition on the island? So far St. Joseph lost their first game against Ruby Labega but won their second. This second win was due in part to players such as Joshua Bowers' sublime ball handling and Tsjaquilla Jefferey's calm shooting hand. Even though this team has good individual players it was the great team work gave the St. Joseph team their win.