KFC Star Search Basketball & Life Skills Camp Celebrates 25 Years
The Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA) is proud to announce the 25th Anniversary of the KFC Star Search Basketball & Life Skills Camp, a landmark milestone for one of the Caribbean’s most impactful youth development initiatives. Since its inception in 2001, the camp has served as a critical launching pad for Jamaica’s brightest young athletes, bridging the gap between local talent and global scholarship opportunities and this year the camp will be hosted between July 19-24, 2026 at he G.C. Foster College. A Legacy of Partnership and Vision The camp’s origins trace back to a strategic joint venture between the JaBA and the US-based Jamaica Basketball Development Inc. (JBD Inc.). The vision was clear: to create a dedicated platform where the island’s most promising players, aged 15 to 20, could refine their skills and showcase their talents to international college coaches. Founders Michael Minto and Enid Sterling-Agnus of JBD Inc. were instrumental in conceptualizing and launching the program. Their foresight in establishing a residential, five-day intensive camp during the summer months laid the groundwork for a system that prioritizes both athletic excellence and character development. Their dedication ensured that the camp was not merely a training session, but a holistic environment for growth. Prolific Support and Evolution For over two decades, the camp has relied on the steadfast support of key partners. KFC Jamaica has been a cornerstone of this success. Initially providing support in the camp’s early years, KFC amplified its commitment over 15 years ago to become the title sponsor and major partner. This long-term investment has allowed the camp to expand its reach, providing fully supported environments where hundreds of student-athletes receive training, meals, and mentorship. The camp’s leadership has also been defined by legendary figures. The late Elfraito “Alf” Remikie, who served as Camp Director for over 20 years, was a stalwart of the program. His passing earlier this year marked the end of an era, but his legacy continues to drive the camp’s mission. As noted in recent tributes, the camp remains an emotional and pivotal event, honoring Alf’s contribution to developing generations of Jamaican players. From Camp to Collegiate Success The true measure of the Star Search Camp’s success is its alumni. The program has consistently acted as a pipeline for US collegiate scholarships, with past participants securing spots at prestigious universities. In a testament to the camp’s enduring impact, former scholarship recipients frequently return as mentors. Recent years have seen legends like Samardo Samuels (University of Louisville), Nick Richards (University of Kentucky), Kofi Cockburn (University of Syracuse), Damion Staples (Iowa State), Richard Andrews (Cal-State Bakersfield), Daniel Rose and Mugabe Thomas (Cedarville University), and Jordan Kellier (Williston State) return to guide the next generation. These role models provide invaluable insight, proving that the path from a Jamaican court to a US college roster is not only possible but achievable through hard work and opportunity. 25 Years of Impact “Twenty-five years later, the KFC Star Search Basketball & Life Skills Camp has become much more than a household name; it is a tightly interwoven piece of the fabric of the Jamaican basketball ecosystem,” said JaBA president, Paulton Gordon. “It is a launching pad for Jamaica’s basketball future, changing lives for the better every single year.” The camp continues to evolve, blending intensive on-court training with essential life skills sessions that build focus, discipline, and readiness for the future. As the program celebrates this silver anniversary, it reaffirms its commitment to identifying talent, fostering leadership, and opening doors for Jamaican youth on the global stage. About the KFC Star Search Basketball & Life Skills Camp The KFC Star Search Basketball & Life Skills Camp is an annual residential program organized by the Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA) in partnership with the Jamaica Basketball Development Inc. (JBD Inc.) and sponsored by KFC Jamaica. Held at G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport, the camp brings together 100+ of Jamaica’s top young athletes for a week of high-performance training, competitive play, and life skills development, with a focus on securing overseas educational opportunities.
St. Andrew Technical are 2026 Under 14 Champions
The Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA) successfully hosted the Girls Under-14 Basketball Tournament on Friday, May 22, 2026 at the National Stadium, Kingston. Endorsed by the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) and supported by the Bob & Rita Marley Foundation and Gatorade, the tournament ran from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM a full and action-packed day of competition, community, and celebration of women’s youth basketball in Jamaica. Four high schools participated in this inaugural edition, each fielding a squad of young athletes eager to compete on the national stage. While the event served as a regenerated pilot, a test of concept and logistics, proving that structured girls’ basketball at the U14 level is not only possible, but necessary, and long overdue. HOW THE DAY UNFOLDED From the opening tip-off to the final whistle, the atmosphere at the National Stadium was electric. Teams arrived with energy and enthusiasm, representing their schools with pride. The day was structured to balance competitive basketball with moments of rest, fun, and community spirit. The morning session opened with the group stage matches, with all four teams competing in a round-robin format. As midday arrived, teams paused for a well-earned break, with players and coaches enjoying lunch and rehydration. The intermission was not just for rest. A highlight of the day came with the introduction of a shooting contest, a skills challenge that drew players from across all four teams to go head-to-head outside of match play. Coaches also got in on the action, with their own separate contest that had the crowd cheering and the atmosphere buzzing. Winners of both contests walked away with branded merchandise including towels, caps, and apparel. With spirits high and legs refreshed, the playoff rounds resumed in the afternoon, building toward a thrilling conclusion. MATCH RESULTS The tournament was played in a round-robin group stage followed by a 3rd place playoff and a Final. Winners of each match are highlighted below. GROUP STAGE # HOME TEAM AWAY TEAM TOP SCORER 1 Camperdown 2 vs 10 STATHS Jenoa Burrell — 8 pts 2 Holy Childhood 0 vs 22 Vauxhall Kymia Linton — 12 pts 3 Camperdown 10 vs 4 Holy Childhood Sydia Jeffrey — 6 pts 4 STATHS 4 vs 6 Vauxhall Terveen Gordon — 4 pts 5 Camperdown 4 vs 10 Vauxhall Kymia Linton — 5 pts 6 STATHS 31 vs 3 Holy Childhood Jenoa Burrell — 19 pts PLAYOFFS # HOME TEAM AWAY TEAM TOP SCORER 7 Camperdown 8 vs 6 Holy Childhood Syria Jeffrey — 6 pts 3rd Place 8 STATHS 16 vs 1 Vauxhall Jenoa Burrell — 10 pts 🏆 FINAL FINAL STANDINGS SCHOOL RESULT 1st St. Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) CHAMPIONS 2nd Vauxhall High School Runners-Up 3rd Camperdown High School 3rd Place 4th Holy Childhood High School 4th Place INDIVIDUAL AWARDS AWARD PLAYER SCHOOL Most Valuable Player Jenoa Burrell STATHS Top Scorer Jenoa Burrell (39 pts overall) STATHS Top Defensive Player Aaliyah Lewis Holy Childhood High School
JaBA and ISSA Restarts Girls U14 Basketball Tournament
JaBA and ISSA Restarts Girls U14 Tournament The Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA), in partnership with ISSA, will launch the inaugural Girls Under-14 Basketball Tournament on Friday, May 22, 2026 at the National Stadium, tip-off 9:00 AM. The event revives competitive basketball for young female athletes, filling a crucial gap in Jamaica’s development pathway. 144 players from 12 Kingston schools are expected to compete, gaining vital experience for future national team progression. “This tournament is the foundation of a movement,” said JaBA General Secretary Makeisha Robinson. “We are committed to giving Jamaica’s young women the platform they deserve to compete, grow, and represent the nation.” JaBA plans to expand the U14 tournament nationwide with regional qualifiers leading to a championship, ensuring structured youth basketball across Jamaica. By targeting U14 athletes, JaBA and ISSA are investing in the long-term future of Jamaica’s women’s basketball, aligning with international best practices and raising visibility for girls’ sports. A NATIONAL VISION: PHASED EXPANSION FROM 2027 What begins as a 12-team competition in Kingston is only the starting point. JaBA has outlined an ambitious phased expansion plan beginning in 2027, with the goal of rolling out the Girls U14 Tournament nationwide bringing structured, ISSA-endorsed youth basketball to every corner of Jamaica. The expansion roadmap envisions regional qualifying rounds feeding into a national championship, creating a sustainable and scalable competition structure that will serve Jamaica’s young female athletes for generations to come. TOURNAMENT PARTNERS This year’s Girls U14 Basketball Tournament is made possible through the generous support of two distinguished Jamaican institutions: Bob & Rita Marley Foundation – Official Support Partner A cornerstone of Jamaican cultural and humanitarian legacy, the Bob & Rita Marley Foundation brings tremendous prestige and community significance to this tournament. Their partnership underscores the deep connection between Jamaican culture, community development, and youth empowerment values that sit at the heart of this competition. TAD Water — Official Hydration Partner TAD Water, Jamaica’s homegrown flavoured bottled water brand, steps in as the Official Hydration Partner for the event, ensuring all 144 athletes, coaching staff, and match officials remain fuelled and refreshed throughout the tournament day. TAD Water branding will feature prominently at the venue, on signage, and on the shirts of match officials placing the brand at the centre of this landmark sporting occasion.