Category: Men’s Division 1

Luxol assert playoff push with Djakovic signing

BOV Division One side Luxol Sherries Estates have made their intentions clear this season as they revamped their roster and pushed for a strong run, first making the John Tabone Shield final and eventually challenging current league leaders Hibernians as we head to the business end of the campaign. Now the Violets have further added firepower to their squad with the addition of Bosnian forward Nikola Djakovic.

“We’re excited to announce that Nikola Djakovic has joined Luxol Basketball Club for the remainder of the season!” a Luxol statement read on Tuesday. 

“Standing at 6’9” Nikola is a versatile player who played for teams in Bosnia, Greece, Montenegro, and Serbia. Nikola’s height and agility make him a formidable presence on both ends of the court. Welcome to the team, Nikola!”

Djakovic, who joins the team on a contract until the end of the season, brings with him experience having played NCJAA with the Snow College Badgers before going back to Europe to play professionally in four different countries, most previously Greece with the 24-year-old having played for Greek D side Gaet Dionas Kyparissias. 

He now joins coach Duncan Fenech and the Luxol team which has already merged its upcoming youthful squad with the likes of Malta international Nathan Xuereb, sharpshooting Vukasin Jandric and the re-emerging Stefan Cappello all of whom have had an impressive season so far. To make things all the more better, the two summer import signings they made – Darron Howard and Caleb Jones McCrary – have made them one of the teams to beat and a strong favourite for a top-two regular season finish ahead of the playoffs.

This significant investment within the Luxol side brings with it a crucial upgrade compared to previous seasons where Luxol have struggled. Last season, the team was fully invested in building up their youth arsenal as their senior side battled with one import player – Tariq Woody, who to their disadvantage turned out to be an incorrect fit, particularly off the court, eventually leading to his dismissal due to internal conflicts with the club’s hierarchy. 

Luxol are currently in second place of the BOV Division One standings on 21 points after nine wins and three defeats and Djakovic could be in line for his debut with the Pembroke-based side on Sunday as they face Starlites JSD in the weekend’s late game.

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Stelmach, Williams, Trapani earn top honours as BOV Players of the Month

December 2024 saw stellar performances across the BOV basketball leagues, with Piotr Stelmach, Kennedi Williams, and Alessio Trapani claiming the coveted Player of the Month awards for their outstanding contributions on the court.

Malta Basketball reviews the winners’ contributions across December…

Valletta’s Polish import Stelmach, who joined the Capital club over the summer from Athleta, delivered a jaw-dropping performance in Valletta’s 139–118 victory over Tigers BT in the BOV Division One, racking up an astonishing 56 points, including seven three-pointers. His December statistics were equally impressive, averaging 28.80 points per game across five games and assisting 3.4 scores while clocking an average of 38.56 minutes per game. The point guard also dominated the boards, boasting 10.75 rebounds per game this season. A former Polish Championship and Cup winner, Stelmach’s leadership and consistency are key factors in the Citizens’ campaign which sees them challenging for a playoff spot for the first time in their history.

Piotr Stelmch with BOV COO Ernest Agius. PHOTO | BOV

In the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League, Kennedi Williams of Athleta stood out with her incredible scoring and defensive prowess. The 5’8 shooting guard from Douglasville, Georgia, who joined the league rookies over the summer, led the league with 71 points across three games, averaging 23.67 points per game in December. Her accuracy at the free-throw line was remarkable, converting at 82% efficiency. Williams also shone defensively, leading the league with an average of 5.22 steals and 9.3 rebounds per game, alongside an impressive 4.44 assists per game, making her an all-around asset for Athleta.

Kennedi Williams with BOV COO Ernest Agius. PHOTO | BOV

The spotlight in the BOV Amateur League was on Malta junior national team guard, Alessio Trapani, whose consistency earned him the Player of the Month accolade. Over three games, Trapani scored 58 points, including 11 three-pointers, while averaging 33.51 minutes on the court per game. His contributions underline his potential as one of Malta’s most promising young players.

Alessio Trapani with BOV COO Ernest Agius. PHOTO | BOV

The three winners were presented with custom trophies by Ernest Agius, Chief Operations Officer at Bank of Valletta, during a ceremony that highlighted the bank’s long-standing commitment to Maltese sport.

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Malta Basketball Division One review: Hibs keep hold of top spot as Luxol edge past Valletta

The latest round of BOV Division One basketball delivered another weekend of close finishes, standout performances, and dominant victories. Hibernians’ hard-fought win over Starlites JSD took centre stage as the highlight game, showcasing a battle against the league leaders and the title holders on both ends of the court. Luxol Sherries Estates edged Valletta Lions in a nail-biter that went down to the final seconds, while Athleta showcased their firepower in a commanding win against Tigers BT. Earlier in the week, Luxol reinforced their dominance with a convincing victory over the Tigers.

Malta Basketball reviews last weekend’s games to bring you the highlights and standout performances.

Hibernians vs Starlites JSD

Hibernians claimed an 85-78 victory over Starlites in a game that featured a high-scoring duel. Starlites’ Trevon Reddish-Rhone was sensational, scoring 35 points, including key baskets to keep his team competitive. For Hibernians, Ivan Demcesen’s 24 points and Derek Brown’s efficient shooting from the perimeter provided the offensive edge. Hibernians dominated the paint, with Demcesen’s second-chance points and Tedrick Wolfe’s transition play contributing to their success. Despite the introduction of new player Chris Paul, Starlites were undone by turnovers at critical moments, which Hibernians capitalised on to pull ahead late in the game.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Hibernians’ inside scoring and rebounding prowess were crucial against a Starlites side that relied heavily on Reddish-Rhone’s offensive output. Hibernians also showed composure at the free-throw line in the closing stages, sealing their victory with critical shots from Wolfe and Brown. Starlites displayed admirable energy but lacked the defensive discipline to contain Hibernians’ balanced attack.

Leaders on Offence and Defence

  • Offensive Leader: Trevon Reddish (Starlites) – 35 points, showcasing versatility and scoring from all areas.
  • Defensive Leader: Ivan Demcesen (Hibernians) – Dominated the boards and provided critical second-chance opportunities.

CHECK OUT THE FULL MALTA BASKETBALL RECAP HERE…

Hibernians’ Neil Cassar (right) attempts to get past Starlites’ Ian Felice Pace. PHOTO | Chris Sant Fournier

Valletta Lions vs Luxol Sherries Estates

In a gripping encounter, Luxol edged Valletta 85-84 in the game’s final moments. Myles Carter led Valletta with a standout 32-point performance, including clutch baskets that kept his team in the fight. Luxol’s Darron Howard contributed 19 points and hit crucial free throws, while Caleb Jones-McCrary added 25 points, dominating in the paint. The game saw multiple lead changes, with both teams trading scoring runs throughout. This game saw the introduction of former Tigers BT guard Serge Hamparsumian as a new Valletta player.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Valletta’s offensive effort was spearheaded by Carter and Eric Terry, whose interior scoring posed challenges for Luxol. However, Luxol’s depth and composure under pressure proved decisive. Nenad Bukva’s perimeter shooting complemented Jones-McCrary’s inside presence, and Howard’s leadership ensured Luxol stayed calm during tense moments.

Leaders on Offence and Defence

  • Offensive Leader: Myles Carter (Valletta) – 32 points, with several key baskets late in the game.
  • Defensive Leader: Caleb Jones-McCrary (Luxol) – Controlled the paint with scoring and rebounding.

CHECK OUT THE FULL MALTA BASKETBALL RECAP HERE…

Tigers BT vs AtoZ Athleta

Athleta overpowered Tigers BT 109-65 in a game that showcased their offensive firepower. Kurt James led the charge with 34 points, including several emphatic dunks and second-chance baskets. Caleb Matthews was lethal from beyond the arc, contributing 18 points, while Maxwell Amoafo added 24 points and controlled the boards. Tigers BT relied heavily on Kendall Jordan, who scored 20 points but found little support from his teammates.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Athleta’s balanced scoring and defensive intensity overwhelmed the Tigers, who struggled to contain their opponents in transition. Athleta excelled in creating turnovers and converting them into easy points, while their superior depth allowed them to sustain pressure throughout the game. Tigers BT lacked the offensive consistency to challenge Athleta’s dominance.

Leaders on Offence and Defence

  • Offensive Leader: Kurt James (Athleta) – 34 points, with efficiency and flair.
  • Defensive Leader: Maxwell Amoafo (Athleta) – Dominated the boards and provided a strong interior presence.

CHECK OUT THE FULL MALTA BASKETBALL RECAP HERE…

Luxol vs Tigers (Thursday’s Game)

Luxol controlled their midweek clash against Tigers BT, winning decisively 109-65. Darron Howard starred with 33 points, combining deadly perimeter shooting with fast-break finishes. Caleb Jones-McCrary added 24 points, showcasing his athleticism and control inside the paint. Tigers, led by Albert Varcallo, struggled to match Luxol’s pace and efficiency.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Luxol’s superior ball movement and balanced scoring outmatched the Tigers’ efforts. Howard’s scoring runs set the tone early, and Luxol capitalised on turnovers to build a commanding lead. Tigers lacked the defensive organisation to slow down Luxol’s offence and relied too heavily on individual efforts.

Leaders on Offence and Defence

  • Offensive Leader: Darron Howard (Luxol) – 33 points, including sharp shooting from beyond the arc.
  • Defensive Leader: Caleb Jones-McCrary (Luxol) – Dominated in transition and on the boards.

CHECK OUT THE FULL MALTA BASKETBALL RECAP HERE…

Hamparsoumian Makes Valletta Switch as Tigers BT Sign Kendall Jordan, Albert Varcallo

Valletta Lions have strengthened their roster with the acquisition of Armenian-Lebanese guard Serge Hamparsoumian, who joins the team on a trade from Tigers BT. The move comes as Valletta aim to secure their first-ever playoff berth in the BOV Division One, switching summer signing Andre Attard with Hamparsoumian to add more experience to their backcourt.

Hamparsoumian, who joined the Tigers at the start of the season, made an instant impact despite playing for the league’s struggling newcomers. His performances earned him what can be considered a promotion to the stronger Valletta side, who see his arrival as a significant boost to their ambitions. Hamparsoumian’s last game for the Tigers came on Thursday in a tough 120-66 defeat to Luxol Sherries Estates. He then made a 10-minute cameo for the Citizens on Sunday in another clash with Luxol – this time, a close 85-84 defeat.

At the same time, Attard’s move to the other side provides the young player more game time after having been a fringe player at the Capital club.

Meanwhile, the Tigers wasted no time securing a replacement, bringing in American guard Kendall Jordan ahead of Hamparsoumian’s departure. Jordan made his debut in Thursday’s game against Luxol, delivering a commendable individual performance with 16 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in 31 minutes on the court. Despite the heavy defeat, his presence was a bright spot for the team.

Before signing for the Tigers, Jordan played in the Bolivian Division One, following stints in Mexico and his home country. Standing at 6’1, the former Carlow University player brings experience and versatility to a Tigers team determined to build for the future. His arrival marks the club’s fourth winter signing, following Miguel Baldacchino, Darko Mitrovic and Albert Varcallo.

Albert Varcallo has joined Tigers BT. PHOTO | Dubois Dream

Varcallo joins after having played for Moldovan side BAM Basket and participated in The Basketball Tournament (TBT) over the summer with DuBois Dream.

Starlites Bolster Squad with Chris Paul Signing

Starlites JSD have confirmed the signing of 6’7 American forward Chris Paul, who joins the Malta champions for the remainder of the 2024/25 season. Paul arrives as a replacement for Canadian player Joe Davis, who departs the team following a season-ending knee injury sustained in December.

Paul brings a wealth of experience from an impressive collegiate and professional career. A standout player at Saint Anselm College, Paul was instrumental in leading his team to the NCAA Final Four in 2019. During his senior season, he posted averages of 19.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, earning him a spot on the prestigious NABC All-East District First Team in 2022.

Following his graduation, Paul began his professional journey in Finland’s Division 2 with Kipina Aanekoski, where he thrived, averaging 18.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. His outstanding performances earned him All-League Second Team honours.

The 2023/24 season saw Paul move to Luxembourg with Kordall Steelers, where he contributed 12.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. A short stint with BBG Herford in Germany followed, before his switch to Starlites, adding depth and versatility to the team’s roster.

Paul’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment for Starlites, who sit third in the BOV Division One standings with a strong 7-1 record. In their official announcement, the club expressed enthusiasm for their new signing:

“The club would like to announce the signing of Chris Paul, who shall be forming part of our Senior Men squad for the remainder of the season. Having had stints in Finland, Luxembourg and Germany across his professional playing career, Chris will surely bring tons of expertise to our roster. We are looking forward to seeing Chris in action for Starlites Basketball Club.”

Paul is set to make his debut under coach Paul Ferrante on Sunday against league leaders Hibernians. His addition is expected to provide the team with a significant boost in their bid to retain the league title.

James, Crooms Named BOV Players of the Month for November

Starlites’ Kai Fabri wins BOV Amateur League accolade

AtoZ Athleta’s Kurt James, Betsson Depiro’s Janai Crooms, and Starlites’ Kai Fabri have been recognised as the BOV Players of the Month for November 2024 by the Malta Basketball Association.

American forward Kurt James, who joined Athleta from Starlites this season, earned the top accolade for the BOV Division One for November. The 6’5” all-rounder demonstrated his versatility, excelling across multiple positions and finishing last month as the league’s leading scorer with an impressive 169 points over six games, averaging 28.17 points per game.

James was equally dominant under the boards, securing an average of 14.4 rebounds per game to top the league’s rebounding charts.

His all-around contribution extended to 2.6 steals per game while enduring an average of 6.17 fouls per match. Clocking 35 minutes per game, his influence was pivotal for Athleta.

The winners of the BOV Player of the Month award for November. PHOTO | BOV

In the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League, Janai Crooms of Depiro claimed the Player of the Month title. The 25-year-old Rwandan-American, a standout player for her team since joining earlier in the month, delivered consistently stellar performances, averaging 19.5 points per game.

Across four games, Crooms amassed 55 rebounds, showcasing her tenacity in the paint, alongside 11 assists and 11 steals.

16-year-old Kai Fabri of Starlites was awarded the honour for the BOV Amateur League. The young shooting guard demonstrated remarkable poise, scoring 65 points in four games, including nine three-pointers, for an average of 16.25 points per game.

Fabri also led the local second division in court time, averaging 33 minutes and 10 seconds per game, highlighting his importance to the team’s success.

The awards were presented by Bank of Valletta’s Chief Officer, Ernest Agius, during a ceremony at the Ta’ Qali Basketball Pavilion. Each recipient was awarded a custom-made trophy to commemorate their achievement.

Howard, Napoleon named October’s MBA Players of the Month

The Malta Basketball Association (MBA) awarded the Players of the Month on Sunday at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion, naming Luxol Sherries Estates guard Darron Howard and Starlites guard Makaila Napoleon as October’s award winners.

Luxol’s Howard was one of two US import signings who joined the Violets over the summer and has since shown his mettle as one of the top players in the division so far.

Over the course of October, Luxol progressed to the John Tabone Shield final, falling to eventual winners Hibernians in November. However, Luxol were a force on court, with Howard, compatriot Caleb Jones McCrary, and Malta international Nathan Xuereb all leading a revolutionised roster under coach Duncan Fenech.

With four games in all competitions played in October, Howard averaged 37 minutes on the court, scoring 30.5 points and assisting 6.8 scores a game. On defence, Howard grabbed eight boards, and was a menace in steals with 3.3 per game. 

Luxol are on a 3-0 run in this season’s BOV Division One campaign.

Miguel Falzon, Darron Howard, BOV Chief Officer Ernest Agius, and Makaila Napoleon. PHOTO | BOV

Starlites’ Napoleon, who joined the team over the summer, has been an instrumental part of coach Peter Shoults’ roster so far as the team bounce back after last season’s woes. With stars Steffi de Martino, Maria Bonett and Andie Saliba off to Hibernians, it was a good opportunity for Napoleon and the rest of the Starlites clan to show they can move on.

Throughout October, the Naxxar-based side played three games in the John Tabone Shield with Napoleon playing around 33 minutes a game as she averaged a double-double and led the team in scoring with 21.3 points per game. On defence, the former Jessup University guard averaged 14.7 rebounds, with 2.8 blocks a game. 

Starlites are currently on a 2-1 record in the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League, their only defeat coming against Betsson Depiro in their second league fixture of the new campaign. 

Starlites’ Miguel Falzon won the Division Two honour. Falzon finished the month of October with 57 points from four outings.

The BOV Player of the Month award winners are voted for by the local media at the end of each game.

Valletta BC sign Ashton Spears

BOV Division One side Valletta BC  have signed US import player Ashton Spears, Malta Basketball can confirm. Spears is said to have joined the capital club over the week, with sources saying the 6’2 guard is signed and in line for his debut on Sunday as Valletta face Luxol in the day’s early game.

Spears joins the Citizens after overseas stints in France, Germany and most lately Portugal when he played for SC Lusitania EXPERT in the Portuguese top division last season. While his time there was that of just three games, the Louisiana native put up an average of 14.3 points, three assists and two rebounds after spending 29.3 minutes a game.

The former St Edwards University player played his final college season with the Hilltoppers after moving from Jacksonville State University. 

Spears now joins coach Harry Savaya’s Valletta roster which has grown significantly and will be the team’s third American summer signing after they had brought over Lorenzo Anderson and Eric Terry in the offseason to complement the addition of Piotr Stelmach and local Division One transfers Francesco Mifsud Bonnici and Nicholas Grech amongst others. 

Valletta are currently second in the BOV Division One standings on a 2-1 record so far after three games played.

Athleta sign Ghana forward Amoafo

BOV Division One side Athleta have expanded their squad depth for the new season with a new import signing last week as they named Ghanaian forward Maxwell Amoafo to coach Sandro Farrugia’s roster, the club announced on Sunday.

The 6’7 player joins the Maroons after having played college basketball at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada before moving to Spain for his professional debut with Coto Cordoba CB in the Spanish Segunda league. 

“We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to the Athleta Basketball Club for the 2024 season—Maxwell Amoafo!” A club statement read. 

“Standing tall at 6’7”, Maxwell brings strength, agility, and a wealth of experience from his time in Spain and Canada. As a versatile forward with a tenacious defensive presence and a knack for rebounding, he is set to be a key player in our quest for success. Let’s give Maxwell a warm welcome to the Athleta family!”

Last season, the forward averaged 18 minutes per game over 16 appearances where he put up 6.8 points and seven rebounds a game. 

Amoafo becomes the team’s third import for the season after the Gzira-based side acquired former Starlites big man Kurt James and compatriot Caleb Matthews over the summer. Together with local signings Robert Vitale, Billy Joel Zammit, and Isaac Bonett – who has not yet made his Athleta debuts so far due to injury – the three overseas players will be hoping to combine for a turnaround after an unlucky opening to the new league campaign which has seen them fall to four defeats, one of which was Amoafo’s debut. 

On Sunday, Athleta suffered a closed 74-71 defeat to Valletta Lions with Amoafo putting up a 17-minute performance where he put up five points, grabbed five rebounds and made three assists.

‘We Want to Win Everything’ says Narciso as Hibernians seal John Tabone Shield

In a high-stakes John Tabone Shield final at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion, Hibernians outlasted Luxol 94-86 to claim their first title of the season, with Hibs point guard Derek Brown leading the charge in an intense, fast-paced contest. Fans witnessed the resilience and determination of both teams, but Hibernians’ tenacious defence and late-game composure proved decisive in their victory.

Reflecting on his team’s grit, Coach Christian Narciso praised the Hibernians’ collective spirit.

“You can see on the court my guys are tough, they are playing defence with their heart,” he told Malta Basketball. 

“In the last quarter, they decided the game without any instruction from me. They just found out on their own: they played together, trusted each other and played tough defence – that’s the biggest victory for me.” 

Narciso, who previously coached Mellieha Libertas, returned to Malta and joined Hibernians with high aspirations over the summer. 

“We want to win everything. We had the example of Starlites last year – we want to follow their example. So that’s what we’re aiming for,” he emphasised, setting the tone for a season of championship ambition.

The game on Sunday unfolded as a thrilling display of Maltese basketball, with Hibernians initially grabbing an early lead before Luxol mounted a comeback to edge ahead by halftime. But it was in the fourth quarter that Narciso’s clan found their rhythm, ignited by Brown’s precise shooting and Ivan Demcesen’s crucial second-chance points. Luxol, fighting back, were dealt a setback when key player Nathan Xuereb fouled out after a stunning 20-point performance, leaving them vulnerable to Hibs’ final push.

For Brown, who led all scorers with 36 points, the victory was a result of focused preparation. 

“I was mentally locked in. I get up at 6AM and put in my shots just so that we could be ready for today,” he shared with Malta Basketball, reflecting on his dedication. 

“When Hibs came and got me, I heard we hadn’t won a Shield in about two or three years, so we were determined to definitely get this one.” 

The Shield final also showcased a high level of Maltese talent, with Matthew Gouder and Nathan Xuereb emerging as standout performers, as they both finished the game with 20 points after impressive shooting on the day. Gouder, in his first final as a Hibs player since joining from Athleta over the summer, contributed with efficient scoring and strong defence, while Xuereb’s early three-pointers were critical in keeping Luxol in the game. 

When Mellieha disbanded over the summer, most of their players found a new home at other clubs, with Tedrick Wolfe heading to Hibs and Vukasin Jandric moving to Luxol. The former Libertas duo delivered top-drawer performances for their respective side on Sunday, as Wolfe went home with a double-double of 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Jandric shot 80% from three-point range for a final 16-point total.

Competitive nature

Narciso highlighted the competitive nature of this season, noting that with Mellieha’s players joining different teams, the league is as tough as ever.

“It’s like all of the teams can be in the first four. I see a really tough competition but it’s also more satisfying when you win finals like this.”

On Sunday, both teams displayed tactical depth, with Hibernians capitalising on fast breaks and points in the paint, while Luxol demonstrated resilience in second-chance opportunities.

Despite the defeat, Luxol will also be ones to take many positives from their Shield run. Unlike last season, the Pembroke-based side look like a solid outfit this season under coach Duncan Fenech and the dynamic duo of Howard and Caleb Jones McCrary has surely shown there is added character to their team. 

In fact, while last season, their Shield campaign lasted just two defeats, this year, the Violets have gone unbeaten until the final which suggests the team requires simply that pinch of added experience together to keep up their formidable showing in the business end. Nevertheless, it looks like Luxol will be one of the challengers for the season’s honours, especially with the likes of Malta international Xuereb now boosted by the team’s new additions and the re-emergence of Stefan Cappello who has become a dominant presence for the team. 

As Hibernians bask in their Shield victory, however, the message is clear: this team is determined to dominate Maltese basketball this season. With seasoned players and renewed determination, Hibernians have set a high bar, leaving supporters eager for more finals.