Tip-Off Time: BPBL Debuts with Thunderbolts vs. Dream Ballers  

Good evening and welcome to this week’s installment of Sports Monday. I am Paul Lopez, here with the latest sports news. Basketball fans, get ready—there’s a new game in town. The Belize Premier Basketball League is making its grand debut, promising a thrilling night of high-level hoops and entertainment as it tips off its inaugural season. All eyes will be on the court as the freshly formed Belize City Thunderbolts take on the seasoned EZ Investments Dream Ballers in what’s expected to be a high-energy showdown. But it’s not just about the game. For the league’s executive team, this season is a proving ground. They’re aiming to show that Belize can support a second professional basketball league—and that this one has staying power. We caught up with league C.E.O., Doctor Gilbert Gordon, who shared his excitement and confidence in what’s to come.

 

Dr. Gilbert Gordon, Chief Executive Officer, B.P.B.L.

“In early November we heard about two meetings to try to get the BEBL off the ground but that did not come to fruition. So, in early January I contacted my team, the Hurricanes management team and told them how would you feel to be able to sacrifice what we have put together and the success we have built and let us focus on building pro basketball in Belize using that same managerial capacity we had. We put together a prospectus that was presented to all team owners and we sent right out all the way to Punta Gorda to see if we could built something, because of the ten years we have we understand the challenges and pitfalls. So we know what it is to run a professional basketball league.”

 

As the Belize Premier Basketball League kicks off its first season, we’ll be keeping a close eye on which of the seven teams rises to the top—and how the league’s leadership handles the challenges ahead. Speaking of challenges, four Belizean athletes have just scored big wins—not on the field, but in the classroom.

 

Over the weekend, standout thrower Mia Sylvester graduated from the University of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. She’s not slowing down either—Mia plans to keep breaking records while pursuing a graduate degree.

Also celebrating academic milestones are Ernest Broaster and Francis Hauze, who both earned their bachelor’s degrees, and Thomas Garbutt, who completed his master’s program. These achievements are more than just personal victories—they’re powerful reminders that sports can open doors to academic success. We spoke with Hauze, who shared his inspiring journey from Belize City’s southside to the global stage. Their stories are proof that with dedication and drive, Belizean athletes can excel both in competition and in the classroom.

 

Francis Hauze, Graduate, Calumet College

“Sports is everything. You have a balance between sports and doing academics. If you are good in sports you will have a balance with managing sports and stuff like that. And that is what I did. This is a very proud moment, I graduated with honors and made my mom, family, and grandmother proud. And, I did it the day before mother’s day, so no better gift and I am very proud of my achievement. I would like to say thanks to everyone, because it is a lot of names, but I would like to thank everyone on this journey. You helped me a lot. You pushed me, given me encouraging words, prayed for me. So I would like to thank you all. I am very much appreciative of what you have done for me.”

 

It was a bounce-back weekend for the Belize Bank Bulldogs at Roger’s Stadium here in Belize City, as they faced off against the Wolfpack Softball Club in the 2025 Fast Pitch Tournament. Coming off a tough loss to the Beacons last week, the Bulldogs were hungry for redemption—and they delivered. The game opened with Wolfpack stepping up to bat first, but the Bulldogs quickly showed they were ready to turn the tide. With sharper plays and stronger teamwork, the Bulldogs flipped the script and gave fans a thrilling performance under the lights. It’s a big win that puts them back in the mix as the tournament heats up.

 

Helen Cassasola connects and sent a ground ball towards third base. She made it safely to first base. Cassasola then made it to second base after the catcher fumbled the ball. Alexie Flowers came from behind with a big hit that placed her on second base and Cassasola on third. And now bases are loaded with two outs and Kaylee Guerro up to bat. Her first swing sent a ground ball towards second base. The fielder fumbled the ball and Cassasola was able to make it across the home plate. They scored one run in the first inning. The Belize Bank Bulldogs came out swinging this weekend—and they didn’t let up. The action kicked off in the first inning when Janika Hilton made a daring dash to third base after a solid hit from teammate Agnes Lucas. Lucas paused briefly at first, then made a break for second. Wolfpack’s pitcher chased her down and got the out—but not before Hilton seized the moment and sprinted home, scoring the Bulldogs’ first run of the game. That early spark lit a fire under the Bulldogs. They added two more runs in the second inning, one in the third, and exploded with four more in the sixth, bringing their total to eight runs. Meanwhile, the Wolfpack couldn’t keep up. Their only run came in the first inning, and from there, it was all downhill. Final score: Bulldogs 8, Wolfpack 1. A commanding win that sends a clear message—the Bulldogs are here to play.

 

The energy was high and the talent on full display this weekend in Belize City, as the Anthony Mahler Youth Football Tournament continued with exciting matchups in both the female and male divisions. In the Under-15 Female Division, the Alvian Strikers and Goal Getters battled it out in a tightly contested match that ended in a 1–1 draw. Both teams showed grit and determination, giving fans a glimpse of the rising stars in girls’ football. Over in the boys’ division, Hattieville United and Sampson Academy delivered a nail-biter. Hattieville took an early lead with goals from Luke Rosado and Christopher Orellano. But Sampson Academy wasn’t backing down—Gilbert Gomez and Jerome Moore came through in the final minutes to level the score at 2–2. The tournament continues to be a platform for young athletes to sharpen their skills and dream big. With more matches ahead, the future of Belizean football is looking bright. Well folks, that is all we have for you in tonight’s coverage of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.