Panthers answer the call

The Trinidad and Tobago Hoops Classic allowed basketball to reach people that may not have been touched by the sport otherwise. I am sure of that.

 

The men’s basketball team didn’t hang out on the beach as this was not a trip for fun but games. They were ambassadors for the university, for their team and the overall sport of basketball. They went to Trinidad with a huge mission, to show Trinidadians what basketball is all about, to make their citizens more interested in basketball and to help them hone their skills and move the sport further along in their country.

 

The Claflin University Panthers answered the call.

 

Yes, the competition was tough at times, but never hostile. Friendship prevailed as the players would often talk to their opponents during the game, explaining a move or a technique. After each game, our coaches would grab a handful of Claflin University t-shirts and pass them out to the players from Trinidad and Tobago, along with more encouraging words.

 

There was none of the glitz and glamour that surround basketball in the U.S. The gymnasiums were small in comparison, with bleachers made of concrete and little to no air conditioning. There were no fancy basketballs, but the ones they had did the job. No cheerleaders, no band. Just players, the court and some hoops – essentially all you really need to play the game. It was raw, pure. Like Phil Brown said, it was like playing on the playground as a child, when the game was all that mattered.

 

As the games progressed, more fans attended. The players there are as hungry for knowledge about the game as they are for technique. Trinidadians are loyal to their players and extremely proud of their country, cheering with the same intensity whether they were being beaten by 30 points or trailing by one.

 

We all had the opportunity to experience Trinidad from its core. The Claflin players and coaches who participated in the Trinidad and Tobago Hoops Classic will be forever changed in some way. And, hopefully, they changed the Trinidadians perception of college athletes, too.

 

I see us returning to Trinidad, to a country immersed in the game of basketball. I see teams that will have made the connection between having athletic ability and knowledge of the game. Perhaps the sport will rival cricket or soccer in popularity one day. There may even be some glamour and glitz, mascots and team chants, too. It’s nice to know that Claflin will have played a part in that.

-Charlene Slaughter

 

 

 

 

The basketball team poses with Claflin students and friends.

 

 

 

Panthers finish Hoops Classic undefeated

Claflin and Delaware State celebrate after all-star wins.

Claflin University and Delaware State University made it a clean sweep, with both teams going 3-0 in the Trinidad & Tobago “Hoops Classic.” The U.S. did what the tournament was envisioned to do: to showcase basketball in Trinidad & Tobago where basketball is in its infancy.

 

The final games were all-star games, as Delaware State and Claflin University combined into two teams to go against an all-star line-up from Trinidad & Tobago. Preston Johnson, Jonathan Durant, Eric Salley and Dominic Johnson represented Claflin University on the “A” American all-star team.

 

The USA Team “A” defeated the “A” all-star team from Trinidad and Tobago, 92-75. Eric Salley led the Claflin All-Stars with 14 points. Preston Johnson scored eight points. Jonathan Durant contributed four points while Dominic Johnson added two points.

 

USA Team “B” all-stars from Claflin University consisted of Teddy Spence, Phillip Brown, Ernest Sinkfield, and Karl Ray. The second all-star game was the closest game in the tournament. The hometown crowd cheered their team on, but the Americans came away with a 91-90 victory over the “B” all-star team from Trinidad & Tobago.

 

Karl Ray lead the Claflin “B” all-stars with a team-high 16 points. Phillip Brown scored nine points. Ernest Sinkfield chippen in eight points and Teddy Spence collected four points.

 

The all-star games concluded a week-long of basketball exhibitions. Many of the native fans were heard saying how exciting basketball is to watch. They also were amazed that Claflin appeared to be the smallest of all the teams in terms of height, but managed to win all three of their games. One of the coaches of the Trinidad all-star team said that his team needed to learn to “play more of a team oriented game. Individually we are just as talented.” 

 

The Panthers will be returning home Sunday, with a wealth of experiences, new friends and memories of this tournament. Thank you Albert Cozier-Lee Young, Mario Davis, Mr. and Mrs. Ramlal and Trinidad and Tobago for inviting us and being such gracious hosts. 

 

Dr. Lionell Sabb, Sports Information Director

 

 

 

Panthers move to 3-0 with win over Trinidad Northern All-stars

Claflin University picked up its third win Friday, defeating the Northern All-Stars 67-43, in the Trinidad and Tobago Hoops Classic played in the Juan Pierre Sports Athletics Complex.

 

The Panthers used a 21-6 second quarter scoring barrage to break open a close game. The first quarter was low scoring as Claflin led 10-8 at the end of the quarter. The Panther run gave them a commanding 31-14 haltime advantage. The Panthers would not look back and coasted to the 24 point victory.

 

The Northern All-Stars were led in scoring by Shawn Lawrence with a team high 10 points.

 

Phillip Brown scored a game high 18 points. Eric Salley connected on six field goals for 12 points. Karl Ray and Ernest Sinkfield added 11 points each for the Panthers.

 

Panthers visit Gaspar Grande

A cheerful and pleasant voice was heard above everyone: “Good morning, all.”

It was our tour guide, Mrs. Shafnena Labon.

No one knew her, but you would not know it, as everyone seemed to pause to see where this voice was originating. She then introduced herself as the tour guide for In Joy Tours.

At that point we knew she was our team mother for today. The Panther basketball team along with Dr. Tim Autry, A.D.; Mrs. Karen Williams, Asst. A.D.; and Dr. Lionell Sabb boarded the bus for a tour of the Gasparee Caves. Mrs. Labon seemed to make us all feel comfortable and safe. There may have been a reason that we would later understand.

The bus ride was approximately 30 minutes. During this time Mrs. Labon explained how the United States built a base after WWII in Trinidad, and that civilians were not allowed past a certain checkpoint before entering the base. Little did we know that we were going to board our ferry on the site of that post.

Maracas Beach

We boarded a small, 35-seat inboard motorboat for the short 5-minute ride to Chaguaramas. Once on the island it was all up hill, or might we say “up mountain.” Now everyone knew why we were asked to wear sneakers. The trek was so long that we took two rest stops before we reached the mouth of the caves. Mrs. Labon’s nurturance of us early on made it easier for us who have never been in a cave to feel comfortable enough to navigate the small and slippery steps inside the mountain.

The caves appeared dark and dreary as each step seemed to pull us closer to the center of the Earth. Upon reaching the center point, we could look up and see a hole above that seemed to be a source of a geyser eruption. We looked down into a 35-foot deep body of water our mountain guide said he swam in for years.

“You look like you have at least one more swim in you,” a joking Coach Woodard said.

The mountain guide quickly responded that he has been in the caves’ pool more than anyone he knows.

“I don’t have my swimsuit on today or I would get in.”

To our amazement he told us that he was a native of this island and that he grew up on this property, along with some other friends, and would swim in the caves everyday.

Enjoying the coolness of the cave were three dogs. We came upon them as we descended the narrow steps into the cave. The dogs startled us at first, because dogs would have been the last animals we thought would occupy a cave. The dogs seemed more comfortable seeing us than we were seeing them. The party quickly adjusted to the canines. The dogs appeared to be protectors of us, running from the front to the back seemingly trying to make sure all of us are accounted for.

The guide explained how the different shapes of the rocks and trees were formed through thousands of years, as all of us took pictures that would last a lifetime. It was now time to forge a path back to our awaiting ferry. Our new-found friends (the dogs) accompanied us back to the dock and sat with us until we were all on the boat.

The Panthers take a break from basketball.

While taking a much needed break on the dock, sophomore forward Dominic Johnson stated that “This was an experience that I can go back home and talk about. It is not often you get the opportunity to visit other countries, especially Trinidad and Tobago.”

Teammates Eric Salley, Ernest Sinkfield, Jonathan Durant, Preston Johnson and Jamaal Newman found themselves nodding affirmatively.

The scenic ride back to the hotel was a well-needed rest, as the team appeared wiped out from their outing.

It was back to business as the Panthers would have a 6 p.m. contest with the best Trinidadian team, the North All-Stars.

Tired from the uphill hike and the 90+ degree heat, the Claflin Confidence would give them incentive to play hard and bear out their team motto, “Excellence Without Excuses.”

- Dr. Lionell W. Sabb, Sports Information Director

Panthers battle heat, defeat Trinidad team 96-60

By Charlene Slaughter

 

The Claflin University basketball team had to contend with an extra opponent during their second game of the Trinidad and Tobago Hoops Classic Thursday evening.

 

The team traveled to the city of Maloney in Trinidad to face the Maloney Pacers, and to face a hot temperatures in a non-air conditioned gymnasium.

 

“It takes you back to when you were a little kid playing on the playground outside all day,” senior Phillip Brown said, dripping with sweat following the Panthers 96-60 win. “When you’re younger you don’t get as tired. When you get on the court it takes its toll. Physically you can feel it. The problem comes when you mentally make mistakes. The first game was a little cooler than this. It’s really hard. The challenge is getting a second wind before the other team does.”

 

Brown led Claflin in scoring with 19 points along with Ernest Sinkfield with 19. Also scoring in double figures were Karl Ray with 15 points, Eric Salley with 12 points and Dominic Johnson added 11. Leading the overmatched Maloney Pacers were Kevon Noriega with 19 points, Shawn Lawrence with 12 and Fabrice Fisher added 11 points.

 

“We had to make some strategic adjustments due to the humidity,” Coach Ron Woodard said. “We had to keep doing a lot of substitutions because of the humidity and we have more games coming.”

 

The audience was larger than on opening night, with more fans cheering for both teams. Brown said the Trinidadians have been good competition, and they know the game of basketball, they just haven’t been able to develop their skills in game situations.

 

“It’s almost like they see what’s going on but have not been taught how to do it,” Brown said. “They know about a 2-3 zone but don’t understand how to execute. It’s not so much they don’t know the game, they’ve never seen it before and don’t understand how to do it.”

 

Woodard said the people of Trinidad are enthusiastic about the game of basketball. The tournament is exposing even more people to the game and building interest in the sport.

 

“The biggest thing is they all want to learn the game of basketball and are hungry and doing whatever it takes to promote basketball,” Coach Woodard said. “It’s good for us to be able to assist them in accomplishing that goal. The players are very athletic; they just don’t understand the structure of the game.”

 

An energetic Maloney team kept pace with Claflin during the first half, trailing by just four points, 26-22, with just over five minutes left in the second quarter. The Panther lead would swell to 43-27 at the half with Karl Ray leading all scorers with 13.

 

Claflin had its way with the more inexperienced team in the second half, on its way to a 36-point win. Claflin plays again Friday night, and the tournament ends with an all-star game on Saturday, pitting a combined American team against the Trinidad all-stars.

Claflin students Maurissa Charles, Petrina Phillips and Cindi Lewis, all natives of Trinidad and Tobago, cheer during the game.

 

Phillip Brown wipes his face during the game. The Panthers played through warm temperatures in the gymnasium.

Coach Woodard talks to his team during a timeout.

Recruitment reception builds bridge between Claflin and Trinidad

First Lady Alice Carson Tisdale assists prospective students.

Mrs. Alice Carson Tisdale doesn’t flinch when she says that the admissions department is the pulse of any university. Without the students there would be no need for anything else.

 

Claflin University continues to expand its global reach in welcoming students from 16 different countries, including Trinidad and Tobago. Planning a recruitment reception here was a large task to undertake. Yes, Claflin has a wonderful relationship with students from the area that attend the university but this time, we would be on their turf.

 

Would they care to learn more about Claflin? Is recruiting abroad worth it? Can we forge educational relationships in a country where the government is seeking to keep its students here by offering free education? On Wednesday, those questions were answered with a resounding YES!

 

Claflin University hosted a packed-full room of prospective students, current students, alumni, parents and educators from Trinidad at its first recruitment reception here Wednesday. After a brief program where First Lady Tisdale addressed the crowd, prospective students had the opportunity to hear from current students and alumni from Trinidad and Tobago and ask questions and get information from admissions counselors. They were introduced to the men’s basketball team who is playing in the inaugural Trinidad and Tobago Hoops Classic and learned about athletics programs and opportunities from Athletic Director Dr. Timothy Autry. They received advice from local education authorities on how to qualify for college locally and abroad. In fact, the students in attendance included three incoming students who are headed to Orangeburg next week.

 

“Awesome,” Mrs. Tisdale said. “There’s no other word to describe this experience. The students came out, the parents came out, and educators here in Trinidad came out seeking partnerships. This was truly an awesome experience.”

 

After hearing about the recruitment reception from an article published in The Times and Democrat, Joy Sandza, an education advisor for the U.S Embassy in Trinidad, said she had to take part.

 

“You are doing something really really great for our students,” Sandza said. “The students are going to Claflin and staying and they are graduating and they are happy.”

 

Sandza noted that others from local educational institutions in attendance, including the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago, were not there to see or report on what Claflin’s purpose was, rather to get information about the university and form partnerships.

 

“While we are student support services here in Trinidad, we do believe in helping students fulfill their full potential,” said Joseph Ragoonanan of the Student Support Services Division of the Ministry of Education in Trinidad. “And that means we need to recognize the need for studying not only in Trinidad but also studying abroad because it is unthinkable to believe that any one country can help all citizens fulfill their true potential. There are those who will need to travel abroad to be able to do that. So we have no problems encouraging our young people to study abroad and fulfill their true potential.”

 

Seven students from Trinidad and Tobago currently enrolled at Claflin attended the reception. The students spoke about the opportunities studying at Claflin has afforded them.

 

“When you head to Claflin, they have this way of making you feel very at home, it’s a very family oriented place and that’s the biggest thing when you come,” said senior Cindi Lewis. “The second thing is there are a lot of opportunities you can grasp as a Trinidadian student; there are a lot of doors that will be opened to you. There are a lot of opportunities you can grasp you just have to work hard.”

 

“Although it’s a small school, you get known in the school and get known by teachers and it’s good for you because they know you on a personal basis,” said Sean Woodham. “It’s a good place to be. Any one of you thinking about coming to Claflin that should be your first choice.”

 

First Lady Tisdale thanked the people of Trinidad and Tobago for attending and supporting Claflin University.

 

“Thank you for hosting us in your beautiful country,” Mrs. Tisdale said. “Your hospitality has been second to none … We invite you to send us your brightest, the best of the best, and just leave the rest to us.”

Mr. Michael Zigler, director of admissions, passes out information to prospective students.

 

Mrs. Tisdale poses with current Claflin students from Trinidad and Tobago. Pictured, from left, are Julien Nunes, Maurissa Charles, Vivien Alexander, Sean Woodham, (kneeling) Mikelle Gomez, Cindi Lewis and Petrina Phillips.

 

 

 

 

 

First Lady Alice Carson Tisdale greets members of the men's basketball team.

 

Admissions Counselor Devin Randolph discusses opportunities at Claflin with prospective students.

Trinidad Recruitment Reception: “We Invite You to Join Us”

Rain and Basketball: Panthers participate in youth sports camp

By Dr. Lionell Sabb, Sports Information Director

With the sun beaming down on a small recreation center in the foothills of the mountains on the island of Trinidad, youth ages 6-12 years old were already in a perfect line, performing dribbling drills in anticipation of the “Big Time College Players” coming to their facility from the USA to interact and show them the fundamentals of basketball, a game that is rarely played in their country. Players from Claflin University saw this as an opportunity to teach as well as learn from the youth.

 

The youth sports camp is designed “to expose the youth of the country of Trinidad and Tobago to sports such as basketball as well as other commonly enjoyed sports like cricket and soccer, to encourage them to explore options to become a productive citizen,” said Adrian Raymond, communications manager for Youth Sports Camps of Trinidad and Tobago.

 

Athletes from Claflin and Delaware State set up the clinic style format as stations where various skills were demonstrated and the youth were asked to perform each skill. Every participant showed total focus as the skill was demonstrated, and eagerly performed the skill to the highest level they possessed. Both the athletes and participants bonded quickly, as each group seemed as excited as the other to learn. The youth quickly began lay-up drills, shooting drills and defensive drills with energy and eagerness. 

 

Watching from close by were Karen Williams, assistant athletic director, and Dr. Timothy Autry, AD at Claflin. We were bombarded with questions from the staff as well as the youth assembled.

 

“What we are trying to do is keep guns and crime down in the community. We want to give these impoverished youth another outlet to be a successful person. And we are doing this through sports,” said the Sports Service Officer Fritzroy Daniel.

 

Just as the youth and athletes seemed to become a cohesive unit, the rain came. The athletes ran for cover as the rain became torrential. One youth asked, “Where are you going? Are you afraid of the rain?” At that time the rain was so hard that all ran for shelter. The rain cancelled any other chance of the clinic proceeding as it was held outside.

 

These kids are not blessed with the name brand sneakers that many youth in the USA are accustomed to. With over 150 youth, there were only two basketballs, one cricket ball and three soccer balls.

 

“There is a need for us to help support this effort,” Dr. Autry said. “We will see what balls we have and send them to you, Mr. Daniel.”

 

Although the rain prematurely ended the clinic, the time spent under the shelter with the youth and staff of Trinidad was priceless. The excitement in the eyes of the youth seemed to brighten the dark skies. It gave us an opportunity to bond with youth and promote the spirit of basketball. It also gave Claflin University a chance to pledge support to the cause of growing basketball here in Trinidad. Even the rain couldn’t stop that.  

Cool and Calm: The Trinidadian Way

Elizabeth and "Sheriff" Ramlal are shown with Helene Carter, Devin Randolph, Michael Zeigler and First Lady Alice Carson Tisdale. The group is headed to cheer the Panthers on at the T&T Hoops Classic.

There’s nothing frantic about Trinidad. It’s cool, relaxed, smooth, and calm. It’s one of the myths about islanders that may be true. This calmness is evident in everything, it seems. It’s in the peddlers at the stop lights selling bottled water, pineapple and okra. They don’t forcefully come up to your car. If you want to buy their goods, cool. If not, that’s cool too.

 

It’s in the way the waiter comes to your table and asks for your drink order. It’s in the way the Trinidadians coast down the streets, seemingly relaxed and free. And if they are not, you can’t tell by looking at them. No, it’s not frantic at all. It’s more like taking in a long, deep breath and letting it out slowly. Smooth.

 

Many foreigners who visit the Caribbean don’t have the opportunity we have – to live in the heart of the city rather than a tourist location. The downtown area of Port of Spain, Trinidad’s capital, is undergoing a lot of construction projects, with new businesses and hotels moving to the heart of the city. There is a lot of traffic because of that, making the commute through downtown a long one during the day. It took us nearly an hour to get out of Port of Spain on the way to the basketball game last night.

 

Port of Spain, capital of Trinidad and Tobago.

There’s not much of a culture shock. Trinidadians all speak English and their culture is familiar, especially for African-Americans. From the music to the television stations to the people here, the country has a familiar feeling of home.

 

The recruitment team – First Lady Alice Tisdale, Michael Zeigler, Devin Randolph and Helene Carter – has been privileged to be escorted by the Ramlals, Elizabeth and “Sheriff.” I call them the King and Queen of cool.

 

The couple are the parents of Letticia Ramlal, a Claflin graduate and Advanced Research Coordinator at Claflin. Mrs. Ramlal has been our eyes and ears here in Trinidad, helping us plan the Recruitment Reception which will be held tonight (Wednesday) to introduce Trinidadian students to Claflin University. She met us at the airport, both the recruitment team and the basketball team, and made our transition into Trinidad very smooth.  Mr. Ramlal has been helping us get around the island, taking us from place to place. They have answered our questions and been our tour guides of sorts, explaining where we are and what we see. Both have made sacrifices to make our stay here easy, calm, cool, and smooth – in the true Trinidadian way.

 

We are all looking forward to the Recruitment Reception tonight. We have received calls from current students like Cindy Lewis and Petrina Phillips, confirming their attendance. We have also received confirmations from Trinidadian students interested in attending Claflin. The event should be a huge success.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Claflin takes over the lead in the fourth quarter