The Caribbean International Shootout basketball tournament held in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, on July 18-21, had teams from Dominican Republic, Turks & Caicos, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and teams from Massachusetts representing the United States.
 
One of those Massachusetts teams, the Springfield Trailblazers team, won went undefeated and won the title in their age group to be Caribbean International Shootout champions! The Springfield Trailblazers also compete in AAU events throughout the year. This event is a once in a lifetime experience for the athletes, and to win it makes the moment all the sweeter for those apart of the team. The players expressed their enthusiasm for the event when interviewed afterwards.
 
“It was good having a great time,” said Springfield Trailblazers player Carlos Martinez
 
The team’s coaches were pleased with the team’s effort, especially when competing on an international stage at such a young age.
 
“They did well and it was great to see them perform on that stage,” expressed coach Leon Thorne in an interview with WWLP upon returning home.
 
The team also got to meet with Springfield, MA mayor Domenic J. Sarno when they returned, who had this to say to the new international champions:
 
“This is a tremendous accomplishment! We are all so proud, especially [of] our student athletes, on and off the court. We’re excited to celebrate with you all on bringing back the win to our City of Springfield, the birthplace of basketball and home to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.”
 
The Springfield Trailblazers represented not only their town and their state, but the country and we’re proud they are AAU members! We are incredibly proud of these young athletes and can’t wait to see what stage they step on next.