Female team led by national player Mia George blazing a trail in basketball!

A female basketball camp under the tutelage of national player Mia George paid off in a big way, with the St. Lucia Basketball Federation (SLBF) and Ministry of Youth Development and Sports supporting this worthwhile endeavor.

During the recent two week camp at the Vigie Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, participants were taught the fundamentals of the game and once it was over, became interested in the sport and were begging for more. George who is 18 and a student at the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada, thoroughly enjoyed what proved to be a very successful camp, that attracted about 25 participants who are eager to keep going.

“When the camp was over they asked me where can they continue playing,” said George. “I realized there was no continuity. What was important for me was that they continue playing together because everyone enjoyed it so much.”

Participant Chelsea Chase referred to the camp as “amazing experience” and said: “I learned a lot about the game. I came in empty minded and didn’t know anything about the sport. I always wanted to play basketball but in St Lucia there was never a team for female basketball.” Chase was a fast learner. In fact her knowledge of the game exceeded expectations and impressed coaches who named her the Most Promising Player.

No doubt about it, their interest in the sport led to the formation of the Net Blazers Basketball Club, which naturally caught the attention of the SLBF. In a press release, the SLBF stated in part: “The SLBF is delighted and pleased to announce the addition of new affiliates Net Blazers Basketball Club. The future of basketball in Saint Lucia will be nothing short but remarkable. Net Blazers Basketball Club, although in their infancy, are spirited, competitive and encouraging. It’s refreshing and uplifting.”

George who is president of the club is delighted to be on board with the SLBF and said: “My association with them has been very positive. They encouraged me from day one.” She mentioned that the idea of forming the club came at a workshop, while competing for Saint Lucia at a 3×3 basketball competition. She spoke to SLBF executive member Velica Augustin who assisted her in formalizing a proposal with the intent of forming a club which became a reality.

George has represented Saint Lucia on numerous occasions in 3×3 competitions both here and abroad. Growing up though it was netball and not basketball that first caught her attention. That’s because her mother played and she would always be on the court with her. Her mother is none other than Liota Charlemagne Mason who has been associated with netball for years as player and at the executive level.

So how did she get interested in basketball? “I just saw it being played and enjoyed watching,” said George. “I found a place to play and that was at La Clery, where I met Coach Marcellus Steide and began training regularly.”

At five feet three inches she is hardly the prototype of a basketball player but in her case looks are deceiving. Her basketball intelligence more than makes up for her height deficiency. She told me: “Having additional height is always a plus, but if you have skill there is always a way around it. My focus is always to ensure that my skill is always the best on the court, so that it will over compensate for the height I don’t have.”

Skill and focus translates into a winning formula. She was a member of Saint Lucia’s team that placed first in basketball in the 2016 Windward Islands School Games and the following year she was named the Most Valuable Player. She also received MVP honors in 2018. George was named Female Basketball Player of the Year in 2018 and 2019. At the IBF International 3×3 competition in 2018, she received the award for most points scored.

As expected George is a big NBA and WNBA fan and has a favorite player in both leagues. In the NBA Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors is number one and in the WNBA, Candice Parker of the LA Sparks.

As president, George has big plans for the Net Blazers Basketball Club. There is an interim committee consisting of Vice President, Romia Joseph; Treasurer, Nikeala Khodra; Secretary, Siana Jameson, Head Coach, Melissa John; Assistant Coach/Pro Ramani Lewis who is attached to the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports.

George encouraged all young ladies who are interested in having fun playing and learning the game to join the Net Blazers Basketball Club family reiterating that experience is not needed. Training takes place Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays at the Vigie Multi-Purpose Sports Complex.