VG Bayside Blazers Eye 2026 Crown
The VG Bayside Blazers have confirmed their bid to defend the Kings of the Courts title at the June 2–7 tournament in Road Town, bringing a 10-player roster and an experienced coaching staff led by Trevor M. Stevens and assistant Derrick R. Varlack, manager/owner Julian Willock said. On Night 2 the defending champions opened strong, beating St Croix emphatically as new signing Nicholas D.J. Faust led the way with a game-high 24 points, according to VINO.
The VG Bayside Blazers have formally confirmed their participation in the 2026 Kings of the Courts tournament, scheduled for June 2–7 at the Multipurpose Sports Complex in Road Town, organisers say. The popular regional event carries a $30,000 purse, with $5,000 earmarked for charity, and is expected to draw top club teams from across the territory and neighbouring islands to Road Town.
Manager and owner Julian Willock will return to run the club with a 10-player roster and a largely familiar coaching set-up. Stevens, known locally as "West," and assistant coach Derrick R. Varlack remain at the helm after guiding the Bayside Blazers to the 2025 Kings of the Courts title, VINO reports.
Half the squad is drawn from Virgin Gorda, underscoring that island's steady contribution to BVI basketball: Shamarr A. Samuel are listed among the Virgin Gorda representatives. Several veterans from last year's championship side return, including Ronald E. Delph and players who have represented the club in St Maarten such as Adrian D.
The Blazers have added depth for 2026, bringing in Alante M. Faust, all of whom are expected to make immediate contributions, according to VINO. Willock publicly thanked the team's sponsors for their support, saying the Blazers could not mount a title defence without them. VINO's updated sponsor list includes platinum backers Biras Creek Resort and Mirazur Capital and a wide group of supporters: Nagico Insurance, Flying Ray Charters, Skelton Group of Companies, Caribbean Insurance, Virgin Islands News Online, Nanny Cay Resort and Marina, Caribbean Cellars, Conyers, ORCA-O’Reilly Consulting & Associates, Better End Yacht Club, the BVI Olympics Committee, Hon Vincent O.
Wheatley, the D3 Committee to Elect Julian Willock, Tortola Auto Group (TAG), the Office of the Premier and Ocean Conversion (BVI) Ltd. Organisers expect the Multipurpose Sports Complex to again be a focal point for community gatherings and high-level basketball while the charitable component reinforces ties to local causes.
When the tournament opened, the defending champions showed their intent. On Night 2 the VG Bayside Blazers blew out St Croix, taking the opening jump and seeing Nicholas D.J. Faust sink the first points from behind the arc, VINO reported. St Croix rushed to a 12-6 lead early, but the Blazers led 23-21 at the end of the first quarter and stretched the advantage to 53-43 by halftime.
VG then dominated the third quarter, leading 80-56 at the end of it. Faust, a new face in the Blazers’ uniform, finished with a game-high 24 points. St Croix’s leading scorer was Jahmai Jones with 23 points; Kadeem Jones scored 13 and Romani Hansen 12, VINO noted. Other results reported by VINO saw Santo Domingo defeat Barbuda 101-63 and Team Tola edge Statia 93-92 to remain unbeaten.
Organisers scheduled three games for the following evening, with elimination and advancement scenarios — including a possible three-way tie between VG, St Thomas and St Croix — to be decided by points difference if needed. With the $30,000 prize and community pride on the line, the Blazers’ early display underlines their intent to defend the crown and give local fans more high-level basketball to enjoy on home soil.
Primary source: VINO