Basketball Players Return From Global Squad
Three Team Hurricane Basketball Academy student athletes have returned home after participating in Global Squad, an intensive summer basketball program run by the Alexander Basketball Academy.
Team Hurricane members Bryce Gonsalves, Jorel Smith, and Darae Smith attended the month-long academy, held at The Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania from June 27 to July 27.
Darae Smith Gold Dragon Award Recipient – Most Improved Player:
Each summer the Global Squad provides international student-athletes with an opportunity to get recruited by U.S. colleges and universities by putting them in front of college coaches while providing elite training required to play at the next level.
As a result, one of the Global Squad highlights for the Hurricane players was their participation in the Hoop Group Summer Jam Fest, held at Spooky Nook Sports Complex in Manheim, PA. The Summer Jam Fest features over 500 teams and 200+ NCAA coaches, and ranks as one of the top summer tournaments in the United States.
Bryce Gonsalves:
Darae Smith of Berkely Institute, a Gold Dragon Award recipient who was named by the Alexander Basketball Academy as Most Improved Player said, “Global Squad was by far the best camp experience that I’ve ever attended. The best part I liked is that I would wake up the next morning knowing I’ll be playing intense basketball.
“It’s helped my game improve a lot because I became stronger and faster. Global Squad was like no other experience because nothing is given to me. It actually humbled me because I knew my teammates were going to push me to my limits. The competition was greater than I thought so it took me time to adjust. As the weeks went on I was able to adjust and start playing comfortably.”
Jorel Smith:
Bryce Gonsalves, who attends Saltus, said, “The best thing about Global Squad was that I had a great opportunity to experience the toughness and level of skill the top high school teams play at. I think I have become a much better athlete and I have become more confident with my offensive game.
“This experience was much better than any camp I have attended because the focus was on me becoming a better basketball player rather than winning or losing games.”
Cedarbridge Academy’s Jorel Smith said, “I also got to see where my skill level is at compared to other kids my age. This camp was better than other camps that I have attended because their main focus is on trying to make me a better basketball player.”
Darae Smith in action at Hoop Group Summer Jam Fest 2015:
Team Hurricane Founder/Head Coach Doug Reed said, “Only one year into our charity’s existence and we’re fortunate to be able to provide our student-athletes with an opportunity take part in high level grassroots basketball and the recruiting scene. This is significant and, once again, highlights why the Team Hurricane Basketball Academy and its programs are so unique to Bermuda.
“We have NCAA certification which enables us to participate in the type events and camps that are truly relevant in today’s youth basketball environment.
“Team Hurricane has set the standard in youth basketball with its variety of free, quality programming. Our sole purpose is to be a benefit to the community. Team Hurricane already has a diverse slate of programming and project initiatives that were completed during its inaugural year as a registered charity.”
Bryce Gonsalves shooting free throws at the Philly Freedom Classic 2015:
“These programs include the Students First Educational Program organized and overseen by Registered Psychologist, Dr. Mellisa Gibbons Tankard of HARTT Services and former Project Director of Higher Achievers Afterschool Program in Washington DC; Team Hurricane-Global Squad International Skills Camp; Montreal Canada Hoop Experience – providing international competition for our players; Syracuse University College Tour – Basketball Camp Experience [2014 & 2015]; Global Squad International Showcase – an NCAA Certified Event, and team training.nd, of course, its team training.
“Such tremendous, life enriching opportunities for our student-athletes are made possible by all who have contributed to the Team Hurricane Basketball Academy. I want to welcome our newest supporters, Ironshore and Montpelier Re who join our fine list of charitable donors: ABWilson Photography, Ace Group, Allied World Assurance, Argus Group, Butterfield & Vallis, FIL Limited, Jardine Matheson International Services, Orbis, The Peter Cundill Foundation, Tokio Millenium, Validus RE, XL Group, Zurich Insurance Company, as well as our individual donors.”
Jorel Smith, #0, at the Philly Freedom Classic 2015:
“Their gracious support allows Team Hurricane to continue to develop the youth of Bermuda through sports and education.”
To learn more about Team Hurricane Basketball Academy, contact Coach Doug Reed at 504-1962 or via email at hurricanehoops@outlook.com.
