The fourth annual YES USVI Basketball Classic, sponsored by the V.I. Department of Tourism, is set to tip off this Friday at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School. This exciting tournament will feature six competitive HBCU teams: Shaw University, University of Fort Lauderdale, Winston-Salem State University, Tuskegee University, Claflin University, and Albany State University.
The tournament is organized by Ernest Ruffin Jr., a former Rutgers University adjunct professor and founder of Young Entrepreneurz Solutions (YES), a non-profit that specializes in teaching middle and high school students the foundations of entrepreneurship and economic development. Ruffin founded YES with the intent to give young people in underserved communities the tools to succeed in business and in life. The YES USVI Basketball Classic is just one example of how the organization is also working to make a difference in the lives of young people in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Ruffin said.
“We are thrilled to be hosting the fourth annual YES USVI Basketball Classic,” he added. “This tournament is a great opportunity for students to see some of the best college basketball players in the country and to learn more about the game. We are also excited to be able to provide these talented athletes with a platform to showcase their skills.”
All six teams competing in the tournament have strong records and are looking to make a statement while on the ground.
- Shaw University, led by Head Coach Bobby Collins, is currently 5-3 on the season. The Bears are coming off a tough loss to Fayetteville State University, but they will be looking to bounce back in the tournament.
- The University of Fort Lauderdale Eagles are also 5-3 and boast a high-powered offense, averaging 88.5 points per game. “We’re excited to be playing in the YES USVI Classic,” says Fort Lauderdale Head Coach Anthony Q. Anderson. “This is a great opportunity for our players to compete against some of the best teams in the country. We’re looking forward to some exciting games.”
- Winston-Salem State University, under the leadership of new Head Coach Corey Thompson, is another team to watch. The Rams are currently 6-3 and have won their last four games.
- Tuskegee University (coached by Benjy Taylor), Claflin University (coached by Brion Dunlap), and Albany State University (coached by Michael Moore) are also all contenders in the tournament.
The tournament will tip off this Friday with three games:
- 9:00 a.m.: Shaw University vs. Albany State University
- 11:15 a.m.: University of Fort Lauderdale vs. Claflin University
- 1:30 p.m.: Winston-Salem State University vs. Tuskegee University
The tournament will continue on Saturday with three more games. The championship game will be played on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Tickets for the tournament are just $10 per day and can be purchased online at yesusviclassic.com or at the door.
“This is sure to be an exciting event, and with six talented teams competing, fans can expect to see some high-level basketball action. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see some of the best college basketball players in the country,” Ruffin said.
