Bermuda Basketball Association’s under-18 team endured a tough time at the recent Dexter's Basketball Club Invitational in Montreal, Quebec.

The island’s youngsters held their own in the four matches they played at the DJ Sports Club but were unable to get a win under their belt competing against various club teams within the region.

The BBA used to the tournament for development purposes as it provided the players with an opportunity to experience what it takes to play against more experienced, physically superior opposition.

“The Dexter's Basketball Club Tournament was as good as advertised,” team coach Tim Trott told The Royal Gazette.

“The annual tournament held in June and July for Boys and Girls from U10 up to U17 was an opportunity for players to continue development from last year by playing against different styles of play.

“Players saw both man-to-man and zone defences, pressure defence in the form of both full court and half court trapping defences and plenty of physical play.

“Some players were ready and others were not. Our ball handlers were tested the most, and while they played well in spurts, the inconsistency showed late in games when it counted.

“With that said, the under-18 team finished 0-4 but in every game played they where competitive until the end.

“Three major concerns were addressed but were not able to execute with consistency.”

Trott cited defensive rebounding, transition defending and communication as reasons for the team’s demise.

“Defensive rebounding is a major weakness which was seen with the under-16s as well,” he added.

“We give ourselves a better chance to win if we can limit teams to one shot per possession. This did not happen, and hence the result.

“Transition defence, the inability to stop the other team from scoring on fast breaks, starts with our balance on offence and taking good shots.

“We also need to do a better job of talking to each other on both offence and defence.

“On a good note, players recognise these shortcomings and inconsistencies. Hopefully, we can continue to develop our players at both the under-16 and under-18 level.”

Representing the under-18s at the Dexter's Basketball Club Invitational, held from July 18 to 21, were captain Cameron Basden, Tristan Currelly, Anton Harris-Gilbert, Jacob Hines, Elmer Martinez, Zycori Powell-Nisbett, Jonah Simmons, Jordan Smith and Szaine Williams.

The BBA’s under-16 team also gained valuable experience competing in the inaugural Battle by the Beach Tournament in the Cayman Islands from July 8 to 13 where they also suffered defeat in the four matches they played.

That team comprised Paul Ashton, Amir Brangman-Johnson, Ajani Carey, Quinton Husband, Blake Johnston, Maxwell Lawrence, Stasio Rayner-Weller, Ralph E Scott, Maximus Simons, Rajan Simons, Lachlan Thompson, Devin Todd and head coach Gladstone Simons.

Ashton and Todd also represented the BBA’s under-18s in Canada.

The BBA are now hoping to have both teams compete in more overseas tournaments moving forward.

“Invitations have already been sent to both teams for next year,” Trott said. “Connections have been established, which will open up more opportunities for our programme to explore.”