The Conquering Lion Academy Dominating Children’s Basketball  

Good evening and welcome to another edition of Sports Monday, I’m Paul Lopez. For many young basketball players, making it to the NBA is the ultimate dream, and it all starts with early training. Dianell Brackett, a resident of Crooked Tree and a dedicated basketball coach, left his full-time teaching job to help kids learn the basics of basketball through the Conquering Lions Academy. His passion and commitment are inspiring the next generation of athletes.

 

Dianell Brackett, Head Coach, Conquering Lions Academy

“I was a teacher at the Crooked Tree Government School, and I was always working with kids and I always had this passion to work with kids. But while I was a teacher, even though I was working with kids I still never felt like I was living out my purpose.”

 

Ravon Crawford, Basketball Player

“Sometimes when I angry I just want to play basketball and for something to take it off my mind.”

 

Paul Lopez

“And it helps?”

 

Ravon Crawford

“Sometimes.”

 

At the Conquering Lions Academy, it is not just about learning defensive and offensive skills. There are important life skills to be learned, and Coach Brackett knows this well. He often starts his workout sessions by inspiring his players with a Bible verse and a word of prayer, setting a positive tone for the day.

 

Dianell Brackett

“This is a bible verse we have done in camp Ravon. God has not given us a”

 

Ravon Crawford

“Spirt of fear, but he has given us a spirit of sound mind, love, and bravery?”

 

Dianell Brackett

“God has not given us a spirt of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind. That is the mindset we suppose to go on this court with, that we nuh supposed to be fearful because we serve God and we know God nuh give we a spirt of fear. It is really challenging, because each child comes from a different background and some of them are challenged with certain, we do have some kids with ADHD, so they are very hyperactive. So, I try find ways in how to keep them engaged and focus.”

 

The Conquering Lions Academy and Coach Brackett are starting to see the rewards of their hard work. They’ve become one of the top basketball teams in the six-to-fourth age group, remaining undefeated in several tournaments. Interestingly, the team has only one female player, Kenya Gillett. With no female team or tournament available, Kenya competes with the boys, and she’s not intimidated at all. She doesn’t see herself at a disadvantage and holds her own on the court.

 

Kenya Gillett, Basketball Player

“It feels good, because sometimes I beat them.”

 

Paul Lopez

“I understand from your coach that you are one of the most disciplined players on your team. Why is it important for you to be disciplined?”

 

Kenya Gillett

“Because when the coach says something you have to listen.”

 

Paul Lopez

“And where does that get you, what does that do for you?”

 

Kenya Gillett

“When you listen you get to play better and do better stuff.”

 

Teamwork is one of the most important lessons taught at the Conquering Lions Academy. They’ve built a culture that values the contributions of every team member, from the oldest players to the youngest, who are just six years old. Everyone’s efforts are recognized and appreciated, creating a supportive and inclusive environment.

 

Glenroy Reynold, Basketball Athlete

“How you could play at other places and when you grow up you could be a star of basketball and sign autographs.”

 

Raymond Gillett, Basketball Athlete

“I like that you could have fun and enjoy your time and one day you can be a star and win a championship.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Do you have basketball player you could look up to?”

 

Glenroy Reynold

“Luka Doncic.”

 

Paul Lopez

“So, you like that he is a Laker now?”

 

Glenroy Reynold

“Not really.”

 

Today was an extremely hot day for basketball. Without cover over the basketball court, training must take place without any relief from the heat, except during breaks which must be taken frequently. Before the Conquering Lions Academy came along, structured basketball training in Crooked Tree Village was almost unheard of. The academy has filled that gap, but it’s not without its expenses. The dedication to providing quality training comes with significant costs, but the impact on the community has been invaluable.

 

“I will be honest, it is a bit challenging. I stopped my eight to three as a teacher. I stopped my job and came to do this. I haven’t gotten the support as I would want. But I must say there is a lot of people who support any way they can. With the water today, I had to take that money out of my pocket. With the basketballs, we need more basketball gears. There is a reason why a lot of countries are ahead of us. They have more equipment and everything needed in order for their parents to strive with the sports. What I do to try to receive an income, I charge monthly, seventy dollars a month for each kid. But not every kid could afford that, and I don’t turn them back.”

 

The Conquering Lions are scheduled to play in the Pee Wee Invitational Valentine Edition this coming weekend.

 

Switching gears from basketball to football, the Alvian Strikers faced off against the Goal Getters on Saturday in the Under-Fifteen Female Football Tournament at Berger Field. The standout player was Treniece Amaya of the Alvian Strikers, who scored four of her team’s five goals, with the fifth goal coming from Demika Jones. The Goal Getters managed to score one goal, thanks to Shuilan Hazel. On the regional front, Belizean athletes had a stellar weekend. Several track and field athletes traveled to Mexico for a World Athletics sanctioned event and are returning home with an impressive ten medals, seven of which are gold. It’s a fantastic start to 2025 for Belize athletics.

 

Meanwhile, Belize’s Male Under-Seventeen National Team is also in Mexico, competing in the CONCACAF Qualifier games. They had a strong showing on Friday, defeating Dominica with a score of seven to zero, but fell to Nicaragua on Sunday, one to zero. They’re gearing up to play against Mexico on Tuesday. Well folks, that is all we have for you in tonight’s coverage of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.