BGMT 2022

This past weekend saw the inaugural Bev Guymon Memorial Tournament take place at the Solent Sports Complex, as under 12 boys and girls and under 14 boys and girls teams from across the south of England battled it out for the first ever BGMT crown. 

With remembering Bev at the heart of the tournament set up, we feel at the club it is vitally important for us to continue her legacy and so many involved through-out the weekend were individuals who have the fondest of memories of Bev. Inspiring so many through her tireless work within the region and her inclusive attitude towards junior basketball, it was fantastic to welcome back so many familiar faces that Bev has had an impact on, to help to bring together an excellent first showing for her memorial tournament. 

The action got underway on Saturday as the Under 12 boys and girls sides took to the floor and in fitting fashion Bev’s beloved Team Solent Kestrels tipped off the opening game vs. Portsmouth White on the boys side of the competition. After a thoroughly competitive set of fixtures in Pool A, Milton Keynes Black would come out on top with a 3-0 record whilst London Elite were in dominant mood in Pool B, also navigating their way to a 3-0 record in group play. The Final would see both group toppers match up with each other for the U12 Boys crown and London Elite did not disappoint, as they were able to take a 45-20 victory, sealing their spot as Champions and Quentin McKelvey picking up MVP honours. The plate final saw both 2nd place finishers in the group phase match up, with Milton Keynes Red taking on Reading Rockets, MK would make light work of the Rockets side, running out 33-12 winners to secure the plate title. 

On the other side of Saturdays action the U12 Girls tournament saw Milton Keynes, Reading Rockets, TSK Black and TSK Red take the floor, to compete in a slightly revised competition format with a reduced number of teams. Each squad played everyone twice in a round robin group phase tournament with a strong Milton Keynes side coming out on top with a 6-0 record. There were a number of very competitive match ups across the day despite Milton Keynes not dropping a game and Mia Wilson was their star player, being crowned MVP. 

Sunday’s action got underway with the U14 Boys tournament with TSK taking on Portsmouth White, whilst Reading Rockets tipped off the action on court 2 against Portsmouth Blue. In Group A, Milton Keynes Red would clinch the top seed and book their spot in the final after winning all 3 of their group games, despite being pushed all the way by TSK and Plymouth Basketball Club who finished second and third respectively. Next door in Group B London Elite showed their class as they were convincing winners of their group, fending off challenges from Milton Keynes Black, Reading Rockets and Portsmouth Blue. London Elite would match up with Milton Keynes Red in the U14 Boys final, where Elite would prove too much for MK Red and secure the title with a 41-27 victory, London Elite’s Sam Scott was named MVP. In the plate final it was the battle of the second placed finishers, where Kestrels took on MK Black and would take a 45-21 victory. 

The U14 Girls boasted the most impressive line up as no less than 8 different teams took to the court to battle it out for the BGMT 22 title. Group A would be topped by home town side TSK who went 3 for 3, beating Bracknell Cobras, Brighton Cougars and Reading Rockets in group play. Whilst Group B winners Milton Keynes, handed big defeats to Bristol Met Mambas, Sevenoaks Suns and Susses Storm, to set up a final versus TSK. It was Milton Keynes who would secure the U14 Girls title as they won the final, 45-29, with Athena Thompson being named MVP for them. The plate final was contested by Bristol Met Mambas and Reading Rockets, who were runners up in their respective groups, with Bristol taking a 39-22 victory over the Rockets. 

The most important stat from the whole weekend however, was just how much has been raised for charity, with a fantastic raffle and so many generous donations. We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who donated a prize, it your generosity that has helped us to total an amazing £3727.82. The money will be divided between the Liver and Pancreatic R&D Cancer Charity and the Bev Guymon Legacy Fund.