Five Rivers girls celebrate three-peat glory in Schools Basketball

Maturity, discipline, and a clinical performance from “Most Valuable Player” (MVP) Akeira Charles propelled Five Rivers Secondary School to their third consecutive Open Girls’ title in the Secondary Schools Basketball League (SSBL) National Championships, which concluded on Friday.

​Competing at the Southern Regional Indoor Sports Arena in Pleasantville, San Fernando, Five Rivers secured a hard-fought 22-15 victory over a resilient St Joseph’s Convent Port-of-Spain (SJCPOS) side, who entered the final unbeaten.

The win cements the Arouca-based school’s era of dominance in the schoolgirls’ division, marking a historic “three-peat” for the programme.

​The final was a tactical battle of nerves. While SJCPOS entered the court as a well-drilled and disciplined unit, they eventually struggled to contain the offensive firepower of Five Rivers captain Charles. She was the star of the afternoon, accounting for 18 of her team’s 22 points. Her ability to penetrate the SJCPOS defence and execute under pressure earned her the Finals MVP title for the second year running.

​Reflecting on the achievement, Five Rivers’ coach Charles Patterson expressed immense pride in how his squad navigated a transitional year.

​“This year’s championship run was definitely a memorable one,” Patterson said. “A number of players that won the championship last year had left. Those who remained, along with their new counterparts, brought a level of maturity that saw us to our third consecutive championship.”

​Patterson was quick to credit the opposition for a stern test but noted that veteran experience ultimately decided the outcome.

​“During the finals, we met a well-coached and disciplined team in St Joseph’s Convent, Port-of-Spain, but the lack of experience showed up later in the game. To that end, our girls did what was needed for the victory and got the three-peat.”

​In the third-place playoff, Fyzabad Anglican delivered a solid performance to round out the podium, securing the bronze medal in the Open Girls’ division.

As the final whistle blew, the Five Rivers supporters erupted, celebrating the powerhouse which shows no signs of slowing down. With a young core stepping up to replace departed seniors and a repeat MVP leading the way, the “Rivers” remain the team to beat in secondary schools’ girls’ basketball.

Teacher Danielle Trim also had high praise for the team, saying, “I just want to say that I am extremely proud of the girls for attaining the hat-trick. Special ‘shout out’ to Akeira Charles, who led the team with grace, determination and grit. Also to Kelsea Gardner, whose defensive skills were unmatched.”