A basketball rivalry in Hope Town

The Songwriters in Paradise (SIP)  concert series is not all about the music.  They have some other interests and skills.   The SIP brochure advertised a one-on-one basketball rematch between the local defending champion Devero Smith, the Firefly Sunset Resort bartender versus the singer/songwriter Texas legend, Django Walker.  Devero recently injured, could not play in a one on one match.  However, there was a 3 on 3 game between Team Bahamas made up of Firefly Sunset Resort staff against SIP Hope Town Songwriters.  The game was on the schedule for 1:00.  Players started arriving sometime after one.  It’s the Bahamas, mon!

It was clear that SIP had a definite height advantage over Team Bahamas.  However, it was also obvious that SIP were playing a little under the weather–perhaps a little too much of the local beverages would affect their play.  I decided that if Team Bahamas could drag out the game they would win because SIP wasn’t up for a long drawn out game.  

It was heartwarming that this game played outside was not about to start until both teams had sung their respective national anthems.  We all clapped after the Bahamian National Anthem.  The Americans present stood as the SIP team sang The Star Spangled Banner.  

Some warm up moves followed the national anthems.  The teams had a little huddle after the anthems.  Devero was probably telling his team them to keep the ball away from Django who played professional basketball in Europe.  The first team am to 11 points by 2 wins.  GAME ON…  

Probably too many pictures but I love the game.  The score was 9-2 Bahamas when SIP started giving the ball exclusively to Django.  He scored 9 points in a row to take the victory.  The SIP team was huffing, puffing and pouring sweat while the Bahamas team looked like they could play for hours.  Good thing for SIP they don’t have to play a 2nd half.  

Joy