Sports Roundup: Schools Basketball Tips Off, Guyana Cup Purses Rise, Cricket Action and Football Loss
By Delwin Neblett | HGP Nightly News |
Schools Basketball League Launched for 2026 Season
The Schools Basketball Committee has officially launched the 2026 Schools Basketball League at the Transport Sports Club, marking a significant step toward improving youth competition and domestic playing standards in Guyana.
The league replaces the traditional knockout format with a structured season designed to build skill, game awareness, and consistency among young players. Running from January 16 to March 22, six institutions—Government Technical Institute, President’s College, Marian Academy, St. Stanislaus College, Queen’s College, and St. Rose’s High School—will compete in a home-and-away format, with each team playing ten games.
The league is fully supported by the Guyana Basketball Federation and aligns with FIBA development goals. In addition to player development, the programme includes training for referees and officials, while digital statistics and live streaming are expected to increase player exposure as part of a long-term plan for nationwide expansion.
Guyana Cup Feature Races Announced with Increased Purses
In horse racing, the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee has released details for five feature races scheduled for the 18th running of the Guyana Cup on August 23, confirming increased purses and continued growth of the event.
Feature races include the $22 million Guyana Cup, the $7.5 million Sprint Race and Imported Derby, the $5.6 million Locally Bred Derby, and a newly introduced Imported Two-Year-Old Fillies Race with a total purse of $3.7 million.
Organisers say the introduction of a fillies-only race is aimed at strengthening future breeding programmes by developing high-quality broodmares to support and improve local bloodlines. The Guyana Cup continues to gain regional and international recognition, with long-term plans to align the event with major racing standards.
Kevin Sinclair Foundation Tapeball Tournament Concludes
Cricket action continued with matches in the 2026 Kevin Sinclair Foundation Tapeball Tournament at the National Stadium Providence on Sunday.
Despite significant delays caused by inclement weather, Team 4R emerged champions in the women’s category after a winner-takes-all contest against 4R B. In the men’s competition, Eccles All Stars defeated Ethan’s XI, Team Sip N Play overcame Team Corruption, Team Infinity beat Team Crown, and Team AJM defeated Pure Entertainers. The Mahdia Movements Family advanced via walkover.
Team Sip N Play, Team AJM, and the Mahdia Movements Family progressed to the semi-final stage, with Sip N Play drawing a bye into the final. The remaining semi-final between Team AJM and the Mahdia Movements Family was later discontinued following a protest over fading light. Tournament organisers subsequently decided to split incentives among the remaining three teams.
West Indies U-19 Warm-Up Match Abandoned
In international youth cricket, the West Indies Under-19 cricket team played a warm-up fixture against Ireland Under-19 cricket team at the Wanderers Cricket Ground Windhoek.
After winning the toss and batting first, the West Indies were bowled out for 246 in 42.5 overs. Jewel Andrew top-scored with 81, while Jonathan Van Lange added 28. Opener Zachary Carter made 26, and Guyanese wicketkeeper-batter Shamar Apple contributed 15, including two sixes.
The match was abandoned without further play due to persistent rain. The West Indies U-19s are scheduled to open their 2026 ICC Men’s U-19 World Cup campaign against Tanzania at the High Performance Oval in Namibia on Thursday.
Guyana Football Mourns Passing of Maurees Skeete
Finally in football, Guyana’s sporting community is mourning the passing of trailblazer Maurees Skeete, a former FIFA referee who died after a courageous battle with cancer.
A dedicated Guyana Defence Force officer and accomplished sportswoman, Skeete distinguished herself as an international referee, award winner, and CONCACAF nominee. She also represented Guyana in rugby and basketball.
Maurees Skeete broke barriers for women in sport, inspired generations of athletes and officials, and served her country with honour and distinction. Her legacy in sport and service will long be remembered.
