Category: Women’s League

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.

Caretti returns to US after season-ending injury

Close to three months after joining Betsson Depiro, US import player Jensen Caretti will be heading home to tackle an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury which ended her season early after the team’s first Women’s John Tabone Shield fixture against Hibernians in October.

In a statement on her socials, Caretti expressed her disappointment in the fact that “my time has come to face what an ACL tear feels like”.

“Just when you think certain things can’t/won’t happen to you, they do,” Caretti said.

“I’m not really one to share what’s going on in my personal life, but unfortunately, my time has come to face what an ACL tear feels like and having to work through the atrocities that it brings. I will be coming home tomorrow and be having my surgery within the upcoming weeks.

“I truly believe everything happens for a reason and that God works in the most mysterious ways. I don’t know what He has planned for me, i just know He has never put me through anything i haven’t overcome yet. Trusting Him through it all. Just know that when I recover, I’m coming back stronger and better – coming for everything thats mine. 

“Thank you to all who have been there for me through this process so far and thank you in advance to those who will be there with me throughout my surgery and recovery. I’m appreciative of the support and care that my teammates, coaches, and staff gave me throughout the season. It’s been real Malta!”

Jensen Caretti tore her ACL against Hibernians in October. VIDEO | Malta Basketball Association

Caretti, who was signed by the Mtarfa-based side back in August, was brought on to help the team push for redemption after last season’s playoff finals disappointment which saw the team drop a two-game lead against Caffe Moak Luxol in May.

Things were looking up as Caretti put up 21 points and 12 rebounds in her debut in the Super Cup final against Luxol for Julian Naudi’s side as they lifted their first trophy since the Knockout in March. However, this feel-good factor came to an abrupt end a few days later when Caretti took an awkward fall during the team’s Shield clash with Hibs. The American returned to the court in the latter stages of the game but it was clear the issue would turn out more serious as the team lost both the game and the player. 

Since then, the club has also lost Malta international Sophie Abela who is now playing overseas wit CB Isla Bonita, however, they have signed former Malta player Joselle Borg Cardona and most recently Janai Crooms.

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.

‘Trophies have always been part of our club’ says Buhagiar after Hibernians lift Women’s Shield

Hibernians edged past Caffè Moak Luxol in a thrilling 66-60 victory on Sunday at Ta’ Qali Pavilion, capturing their eleventh Women’s John Tabone Shield title and surpassing Luxol, who held nine Shield honours. 

For Hibs, this victory broke a three-year trophy drought, restoring a tradition of winning honours to the Paola club. Coach Winnie Buhagiar lauded the hard work that brought Hibernians back to the top, expressing pride in their efforts to reclaim a long-held reputation for honours.

“This means a lot for the club, especially because in the last three years, we didn’t win any honours, and winning trophies has always been part of our club,” Buhagiar stated. 

“This summer, we’ve worked hard on rebuilding our team solely because we want to bring titles back to Paola.” 

She reflected on the competitive intensity of the season, acknowledging Luxol’s relentless defence and the challenges ahead.

“The game today was hard-fought, but we were always on the front foot. Now, we know every game will be a battle for which we need to fight and work.”

Both teams displayed tremendous resolve on Sunday, with Luxol particularly feeling the absence of their veteran duo Josephine Diaby – still sidelined due to a broken thumb – and Sarah Pace. Without Diaby, the task of containing Hibernians’ Mikayla Brandon fell largely to Sarah and Anna Fenech Pace, while Vanya Baldacchino took on the challenge of shadowing Steffi De Martino. Despite these adjustments, Hibernians raced to an 8-0 lead while Luxol kept pace with contributions from Lisa Fenech Pace and Baldacchino. However, Hibernians widened their lead significantly before the half, with De Martino and Maria Bonett anchoring their scoring efforts.

Luxol found their rhythm in the second half, thanks in large part to Brandy Huffhines, who overcame a slow start to become their primary scoring threat. Her scoring flurry, coupled with Sarah Fenech Pace’s inside presence, reduced the deficit heading into the fourth.

The final quarter saw Hibernians maintain their edge but not without setbacks. Bonett, who had played every minute of the game, landed awkwardly after a rebound with 2:39 remaining and had to be carried off the court for treatment. Brandon, who had been pivotal in the paint, fouled out in the game’s final seconds. Luxol pushed hard in the closing moments, but Hibernians held firm, buoyed by De Martino’s clutch free throws and late-game defence.

‘We need to train harder’

De Martino, who joined Hibernians this season after several years with Starlites in a transfer that moved Andie Saliba, Bonett, and herself to the Paolites, was thrilled with the win and commended her teammates’ preparation. 

“I’m super happy we managed to get this trophy,” she said, “a game is a game. If I’m playing for Starlites or if I’m playing for Hibs, I’m going to bring the same game on court.” 

Acknowledging Luxol’s effort despite missing senior players, she added, “While I’m happy we won, I believe that we need to train harder and play harder if we want to take this all the way.”

The game highlighted Hibernians’ rebounding strength and inside play, with Brandon and De Martino combining for 53 points. Brandon’s 26 rebounds underscored her dominance in the paint, while Luxol’s Huffhines led her team’s comeback attempt with a 25-point performance. Hibernians’ bench, however, went scoreless, underscoring the heavy reliance on their starting five. 

On Luxol’s side, Baldacchino’s close defence on De Martino and Lisa Fenech Pace’s inside scoring were pivotal, showcasing the depth and adaptability coach Roderick Vella’s Luxol brought to the court even without Diaby.

Buhagiar expressed her team’s readiness to tackle future challenges, despite Bonett’s injury, which will be assessed by their physio. 

“Maria (Bonett) fell on one leg, but I don’t think it’s going to be a long injury,” Buhagiar noted, hinting at Hibernians’ resilience and depth this season.

With the Shield in hand, Hibernians look ahead with optimism. 

“The fact that we managed to win the first cup is motivation for us,” De Martino added. 

“We’re a relatively new team, so we have to take some mistakes and learn from them to gel better in the future.”

Depiro sign Janai Crooms

Mtarfa-side Betsson Depiro returned to the transfer market with import player Jensen Caretti said to be out long-term, and have now signed the signing of Rwandan-American guard Janai Crooms, the club announced on Saturday.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Janai Crooms to our Senior Women’s Team!” a Depiro statement read.

“Janai is a Providence College graduate and was part of the  All-Big East tournament in her Senior Year. Janai also represented the Rwandan National Team, contributing to their best-ever third place finish. Welcome to Depiro, Janai!”

Crooms, originally born in the US but who has represented Rwanda in the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, joins last season’s Knockout winners after a college career with the Providence Friars and a stint in Puerto Rico with Cangrejeras de Santurce.

Crooms played two seasons with the Friars from 2021-23. During her career at Providence, she was an All-BIG EAST Honourable Mention selection (2021-22), a Preseason All-BIG EAST pick (2022-23) and a five-time BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll selection. 

She finished her collegiate career averaging a team-best 11.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

Crooms joins coach Julian Naudi’s team as they look to overcome their previous defeat to Caffe Moak Luxol, which ended their John Tabone Shield campaign. This was their first defeat since Sophie Abela’s departure to CD Isla Bonita and Caretti’s injury, which came in their competition opener against Hibernians – their only other Shield loss. Caretti, who joined the team over the summer, is set to continue rehabilitating after an awkward landing from a challenge during the game in October.

While Crooms will be an immediate replacement for the two players, sources tell Malta Basketball that the club is also awaiting the next local player transfer window to sign veteran forward Joselle Cardona, a former Malta international who will return to the game after last playing for Luxol.

Valletta BC embrace city’s legacy as club launches new identity

Valletta BC, a local basketball club now in its second season, has rebranded over the summer as part of significant upgrades and they made all of their changes official with a launch of their logo, kits and teams for the 2024-25 season on Wednesday in Valletta.

Speaking at the event, club president Harry Savaya referred to the launch as a big event because of the city’s identity, saying it is their ambition to live up to the name through the club.

“For us, it’s big because it’s Valletta,” Savaya told the audience, “(Valletta) has a big name, it has a history, and it has shown us a lot during the years. Hopefully, it will be a great image for us to emulate. We will be able to show them who we are, to show them real basketball, fair play, good attitude, and definitely at the end of this, the results.

“But our main target is not just to show what we have or show our level or show good sportsmanship. Our target is to put Valletta and Malta on the highest podiums, at the highest level.”

Speaking about the new branding, as Valletta Fighters became Valletta BC in the offseason, Citizens representative and assistant coach Daniel Bugeja said the process took on numerous phases and emphasised their pride in representing the capital city.

“The logo, which was designed by our club secretary, Carmel Spiteri, has passed through a lot of phases,” Bugeja said. 

“The lion on the logo holds a basketball, reflecting the club’s dedication to the sport. The intensity of the expression on the lion underscores the competitive spirit of the team. In the background, a basketball is incorporated with elements of the multi-spectrum, signifying the club’s deep roots in Malta. As we all know, no city or village in Malta represents the country more than here. And there was the idea to have the Maltese flag incorporated into our logo.

“The team’s name, Valletta Basketball Club, is displayed prominently. This showcases our pride in representing the country. We are proud to represent Valletta for its heritage, for its history, for its people.”

Summer upgrades

Over the summer, one highlight was the introduction of a new women’s team for the club. Together with this, Valletta BC have invested heavily into its men’s team which last season suffered throughout its debut campaign which saw them only win one game in all competitions. Unlike last season, Valletta have already matched their record with a Division One win earlier in October. 

Speaking to Malta Basketball, Savaya, who is also the head coach of the team’s men’s and women’s teams said their target was always to upgrade.

“Our main target is always to upgrade, always to improve year after year. Our main goal was definitely the Valletta men. Our secondary goal was to push for a women’s team, and improve the basketball women’s side, especially, because they kind of lack attention in a way like supporting-wise and the number of teams,” he explained. 

Valletta BC's Women's team stand for a team photo.
Valletta BC women’s team photo. PHOTO | Olaf Mckay

“Hopefully, hand-in-hand with the basketball association, we will be able to get to their targets and our targets, especially when you’ve seen lately in the past five small countries’ tournaments or championships, Malta has always been in the final, whether for the men or the women – great results.

“So (Malta) is a great place, it’s a hotspot to have teams and to upgrade and work together as one unit, try to improve. 

“As far as the men’s team is concerned, we upgraded the team by signing more experienced players. With all respect to last year’s players, last year we had a young team, this year we upgraded it because we have higher ambitions, we want to go further in the tournaments. 

“We’re not dreaming, but it should be like a primary target to be in the final four, hopefully.”

Valletta to debut in Sharjah Tournament in 2025

Valletta’s ambition was expressed during the event as Savaya announced the club will be taking part of the Sharjah International Tournament in Dubai in September. 

The competition, which features sides from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, and Lebanon will now also feature Valletta in 2025.

“Our target is to put Valetta and Malta onto the highest podiums, at the highest level. I would like to announce from this podium that Valetta Basketball Club, on September 5, will be in the sixth Sharjah International Tournament and we will be participating as the first Maltese club to play in such event.”

Asked about this by Malta Basketball, Savaya said it came as an invitation from Ahmed Suleiman, founder of Jam Sport Academy, and that their participation would be the start of a new collaboration.

“It’s kind of a cooperation, because to expand, you need to work with high-aiming people and clubs, so hand-in-hand, hopefully with many clubs that I have good connections with, this will help us build. 

Valletta BC's men's team stand for a team photo.
Valletta BC men’s team photo. PHOTO | Olaf Mckay

“My ultimate aim is hopefully to participate in a European tournament like Starlites did, but Starlites played the qualifications. I respect that as it is a great job as a first step. But we’re aiming to play in the international tournament and to be in the standings, hopefully, and to add to what Starlites did because, in the end, we are together in this. 

“We compete against each other for a cup, but our ultimate goal, is for us as Valletta, Starlites, and the rest to get to the highest point and show the image of basketball, because people underestimate a lot the basketball in Malta, and they don’t know what’s happening. That’s why they downgrade us, but the stats are talking, even last year, many players played in Valletta or played in other clubs and went to Germany, went to Ecuador, went to Kazakhstan, and vice versa. So, hopefully, together, we will stand higher and stronger.”

MBA announces 2023-24 Player of the Year nominations

The Malta Basketball Association (MBA) has confirmed this year’s nominees for the BOV Player of the Year Award, which will be handed out during the MBA Awards on October 14. 

In a statement, the local basketball association referred to the award as one that is “presented to the best-performing players of the season, both on and off the court and judged by a panel of experts from the basketball scene.”

Last season’s winners Alec Felice Pace and Steffi De Martino are both in the running again as the two former Starlites players remained at the top of their game last season, before moving to CityBasket Recklinghausen and Hibernians respectively.

Fellow national team players Ian Felice Pace and Nathan Xuereb complete the men’s frontrunners for the award, as last season’s finals MVP Anna Fenech Pace and runner-up Kristy Galea form the women’s list of nominees. Fenech Pace is in contention for a second award, having also been nominated for the U19 Women’s League accolade.

This year’s MBA Awards come at a special time in the associations’ history as the MBA celebrates its 60th anniversary. In turn, the association has announced that FIBA World General Secretary Andreas Zagklis is set to be the guest of honour for the event. 

2023-24 MBA Player of the Year Award nominees

BOV 1st Division Men

Alec Felice Pace (Starlites)

Ian Felice Pace (Startlites)

Nathan Xuereb (Luxol)

MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League

Steffi de Martino (Starlites)

Anna Fenech Pace (Luxol)

Kristy Galea (Depiro)

BOV Amateur League

Neil Cassar (Mosta)

Miladin Cubic (Fusion)

Alex Sultana (Startlites)

St James Hospital U23 Men’s League

Isaac Azzopardi (Luxol)

Nathan Xuereb (Luxol)

Ian Felice Pace (Starlites)

St James Hospital U23 Women’s League

Sarah Fenech Pace (Luxol)

Mikela Riolo (Starlites)

Michela Zammit Cordina (Starlites)

U19 Men’s League

Adam Azzopardi (Luxol)

Isaac Azzopardi (Luxol)

Alex Sultana (Starlites)

U19 Women’s League

Anna Fenech Pace (Luxol)

Sarah Fenech Pace (Luxol)

Andie Saliba (Starlites)

U16 Boys’ League

Kai Fabri (Starlites)

Mark Iloube (Luxol)

Chen Junxi (Eurobasket)

U16 Girls’ League

Shanice Farrugia (Luxol)

Rebecca Fenech Pace (Luxol)

Claire Portelli (Depiro)

U14 Boys’ League

Giacomo Camilleri (Starlites)

Mathias de Flavia (Athleta)

Zac Said Hollier (Starlites)

U14 Girls’ League

Lara Micallef (Hibernians)

Claire Portelli (Depiro)

Kirstie Sammut (Depiro)

Valletta BC sign Janae Barnes

Valletta BC are set to start life in the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League with a new import player as Malta Basketball can confirm that the Citizens have signed American guard Janae Barnes.

“In collaboration with Ladies First Agency, Dreamcatch Management is proud to announce the signing of Janae Barnes to play in Malta for Valletta Basketball Club!” A statement read on Monday. 

“A special thanks to Valletta Basketball Club and head coach Savaya for trusting in Janae’s talents and in Dreamcatch Management’s services. We believe this is Janae’s time to shine!”

Barnes joins the team after stints in Egypt, Nicaragua, Morocco, Mexico, Albania, and Kosovo besides her native country. This led to her being a WUBA National League Western Conference Champion in 2020, Western Conference champion, and championship finalist a year later; an Albania Cup winner in 2022; and a finalist in the Nicaraguan League a year later.

Last season in Egypt, Barnes played with Gezert El Ward in the Egyptian SuperLeague but has now been in Malta for the past few days, to link up with the team ahead of their debut in the Women’s John Tabone Shield against Depiro on October 15. 

Barnes is one of numerous signings the capital club has made over the summer after announcing it will be competing in the women’s league as part of an expansion of the club that is now in its second season in the local basketball league. 

Depiro coach Naudi aiming for trophies after Super Cup triumph

Last season, Depiro had a statement summer with numerous important signings which raised their profile within the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League. With a year under their belt, the team now led by coach Julian Naudi will aim to reap as many rewards as possible after winning the season’s opening game and lifting the women’s Super Cup on Sunday.

On Sunday, Depiro powered past Caffe Moak Luxol at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion for a 76-59 finish to get their revenge after last season’s finals where the team suffered a stunning comeback from Luxol, then led by Santino Coppa. 

Speaking to Malta Basketball, coach Naudi, who took over the reins after Adrian Baldacchino, who led the team to a Knockout trophy last season but has since moved to new side Athleta over the summer, said his team’s motivation was key to such a good start.

“Last season the girls took a bit of a hit the way they lost the finals,” Naudi said, “so motivation was strong to do well and show we can compete. 

“It was important that we get off on a good start for their confidence going into the season.”

In July, Naudi’s appointment was part of the many changes made over the summer by the Mtarfa with the former youth coach handed a promotion to the senior team. Since then, he has integrated some of these youths into his team, some of whom impacted the Super Cup as well on Sunday. 

Asked about preseason, Naudi said it was a race to fit everything in before the season’s opener as well as their challenge to battle past the ‘favourites’ tag this season.

“First of all, it was interesting for me getting to know the girls and seeing how focused and hard-working they are,” he explained, “but it was also busy trying to fit in all the aspects of the team in a short time before the first game. But as it seems we did a decent job.

“There have been changes and I think we still have to see the rest on court to get a clear idea. But I think we can definitely compete for every award this year. So, I guess our target is to keep up the hard work and win as many trophies as we deserve.”

Apart from the youth element brought into the team, Depiro also signed US import player Jensen Caretti in August and fans got to see her in action on her debut in the Super Cup.

Caretti and Julia Borg led the stat charts on the day with a double-double for each player and both tied on a game-high 21 points. Caretti led the boards with 12 rebounds as her athletic nature came to the fore. Naudi lauded her effect on the team and believes this is just the beginning.

“Jensen (Caretti) is great!” He said.

“She has gelled with the team immediately and is a really good character to have in the team. I think with this game, she has only just started showing what she can do and can be even better going forward.”

Luxol coach Vella targeting strong start in Super Cup showdown

The curtain raiser of the new season is here with Caffe Moak Luxol and Depiro facing off the Women’s Super Cup on Sunday at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion.

The fixture which pits against each other last season’s playoff finalists brings to the court double winners Luxol who lifted the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League and the John Tabone Shield against Knockout winners Depiro. However, both teams have undergone a summer of changes with new players and promotions to their respective youth coaches towards a role as senior team coaches this season.

Speaking to Malta Basketball, Luxol women’s coach Roderick Vella said the game will be a “good test to measure our ambitions” as the club continues to focus on youth development.

“The Super Cup final tomorrow is a good test to measure our ambitions for the season,” Vella said. We face a Depiro side that held on to their core players and added an import who is also of a very good level. They have a new coach too that will bring new ideas and more energy to the team. 

“We aim to give our best in every game and try to win as many games as possible starting tomorrow.  A final like tomorrow is also a very important part of the growth of our young players.

“For the club, it is also important that we keep on challenging for silverware to keep the club’s status in the local game.”

The Malta women’s youth coach will be taking over the helms of the Luxol senior team as former mentor Santino Coppa who in the past years had been an icon among the local community with regards to women’s basketball. The Italian, who has since returned to Sicily after more than a decade in Malta produced a moment of magic in last season’s playoffs with his team down 2-0 against a solid Depiro side, turning the tie around and winning the league title after Game Five.

Vella believes he has tough shoes to fill but will continue to focus on the improvement of the team in the same manner as he makes his debut on the team’s sidelines on Sunday.

“This will be the start of a new experience for me and the team,” Vella said. 

“Filling the shoes of a mentor like Santino (Coppa) is not easy but in agreement with the club, this season we will push even more the development of our youth players to continue their improvement even in the senior league.  

“It’s been quite a short pre-season considering that most players were with the senior and youth national teams this summer and needed a resting period, but we worked hard over these past 4 weeks to try and be ready in the best way for the game tomorrow.”

While the team was able to prepare with their new import player Brandy Huffhines, the team will be missing key player Shanice Farrugia, who had an impressive season during the last campaign. Farrugia suffered an ACL injury during Malta youth commitments over the summer and will be missing the season. On Sunday, Luxol will also be missing Sarah Sciberras, who like Farrugia endured an ankle injury during her time with the Youth National Team. Malta international Josephine Diaby is now available to play on Sunday after recovering from an injury herself.