Mad Hot Media

07/03/2025

This year, VIDE hosted an inspiring Youth Summit, featuring powerful guest speakers who spoke on key themes such as dedication, respect, and teamwork. The student-athletes had the opportunity to learn and grow beyond the game, and we can’t wait for you to hear their feedback.

🎥 Catch the highlights here: https://youtu.be/zvGd3_ddzWg

3rd Annual Spring Varsity Showcase 2025 - Youth Summit

07/03/2025

Reporting from the TK Sports Club 3rd Annual Spring Varsity Showcase Tournament in Orlando, Florida!

Four outstanding varsity boys’ basketball teams are representing the Virgin Islands with pride: Ivanna Eudora Kean High School (defending champions) and Charlotte Amalie High School from St. Thomas, alongside Central High School and Educational Complex High School from St. Croix.

Join Reneah Guzman, Program Manager of the Division of Sports & Athletics, affectionately known as "Our Favorite in the Field" Sports Correspondent and Public Relations Liaison, as she captures the energy of the tournament and speaks with:

VIDE Commissioner, Dr. Dionne Wells-Hedrington
Acting Commissioner, Department of Sports, Parks, & Recreation, Mr. Vincent Roberts
Ms. Bernalyn Tomeau, VIDE Program Manager of the Travel Unit

🔗 Watch the full video here:

3rd Annual Spring Varsity Showcase 2025 - Leadership

01/03/2025

Ashukamay'ah Phillips Named to All-HBCUAC Second Team

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama, February 26, 2025 – Sophomore guard Ashukamay’ah Phillips of the University of the Virgin Islands Lady Buccaneers has been honored with a spot on the All-HBCUAC Second Team, recognizing her exceptional performance throughout the basketball season.
Phillips, who was also selected as an All-HBCUAC Preseason player, was one of five athletes chosen for the second team. The awards were presented during the ceremony at the HBCUAC 2025 Hope Credit Union Basketball Championships in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on Wednesday afternoon. Joining Phillips on the team were Makyla Tucker of Wilberforce University, Jayla Bibbs from Fisk University, Jordan Harris from Southern University at New Orleans, and Jamariah Turner from Stillman College.
A native of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Phillips has proven to be a key player for the Lady Buccaneers. Starting in all 18 games this season, she led the team with an average of 13.7 points per game. Her consistent performance, scoring in double digits in 14 of the 18 games and achieving a season-high of 21 points against Wiley University, showcases her skills and determination on the court. In addition to her scoring abilities, she also contributed in rebounds and assists, averaging 4.9 and 1.6 respectively. Defensively, Phillips recorded 1.2 steals per game.
This recognition highlights Phillips' talents and her vital role as a sophomore guard in shaping the Lady Buccaneers Basketball program. Her standout performances against top teams such as Oakwood University and Dillard University, where she scored over 20 points, were particularly memorable and instrumental in earning her a spot on the prestigious All-HBCUAC Second Team.

Shaquille Richardson
Sports Information Director

01/03/2025

First-Round Exit for Buccaneers at HBCUAC Tournament after Loss to Wiley

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA, February 27, 2025 – In a first-round matchup at the Historically Black College and Universities Athletic Conferences (HBCUAC) 2025 Hope Credit Union Basketball Championships, the University of The Virgin Islands Buccaneers suffered a defeat at the hands of the Wiley Wildcats, with a final score of 95-72 at the Birthright Alumni Hall in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Despite a valiant effort, the Buccaneers were unable to overcome the lead established by the Wildcats.

"We had an opportunity to make a statement here at the conference tournament, but unfortunately, we started the game a bit shaky, and Wiley capitalized on that," stated Interim Head Coach Kevin Sheppard. "At the end of the day, there are 13 teams competing in this tournament, and only one will leave happy. It wasn't our time, so it is a little disappointing, but it is not the end of Buccaneer Basketball. We will regroup and come back stronger."
From the opening tip, the Wildcats quickly took control of the game, building a lead that they maintained throughout. They surged ahead by 22 points in the first period, significantly influencing the flow of the game. The Buccaneers, led by top scorers Nico Thomas with 23 points and Amayoa'ah Phillips with 18 points, displayed resilience but struggled against the strong defense of Wiley. Jalil Langston also made a notable contribution with 10 points and led the team in rebounds with seven, while also recording a team-high of two steals.
The first period ended with Wiley leading 47-26, putting the Buccaneers in a challenging position to mount a comeback. Despite a strong start in the second period, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Thomas, Wiley continued to extend their lead. The final score reflects Wiley's dominant performance, bringing an early end to the Buccaneers' tournament appearance.
The tournament, where the Buccaneers were seeded No. 8 and Wiley No. 9, presented a win-or-go-home scenario for both teams in a single-elimination format. Unfortunately, the loss in the first round of the tournament marked the conclusion of the University of The Virgin Islands' 2024-2025 campaign for a conference title. With no further games this season, the focus now shifts to rebuilding and preparing for the upcoming season.
"It was a good season. We had some ups and downs, but the team grew and matured as the year progressed," said Sheppard. "Overall, I am pleased with the year we had. We finished 8th after being expected to finish 11th. Looking ahead, our focus will be on further developing our returning players and strengthening the program through the recruitment process. I am grateful for the opportunity to guide and mentor these young men as they navigate their basketball careers, both on and off the court."

Shaquille Richardson
Sports Information Director

22/02/2025

Buccaneers Hold off Wiley University in Regular-Season Finale
ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands, February 20, 2025 – In their season finale, the University of The Virgin Islands Buccaneers were able to hold off a feisty Wiley University Wildcats team with a 71-64 victory at the Elridge Blake Sports & Fitness Center Wednesday night.
The game unfolded with UVI jumping ahead early and taking a 29-26 lead into the locker room at halftime. Despite a spirited second-half effort challenging the Buccaneers, Wiley was unable to regain the lead after falling behind in the first half. The Buccaneers were able to keep their opponents at bay with their relentless defense and consistent scoring, allowing them to extend the lead to as much as 10 points midway through the second period. However, Wiley wouldn’t go away easily. UVI would have to demonstrate its grit and determination, by displaying the team's ability to perform under pressure to maintain their lead in the closing moments of the game despite being only four points ahead with less than a minute left.
"I am pleased with the performance of our team in this game against Wiley," stated Interim Head Coach Kevin Sheppard. "They displayed a tough and gritty style of play on both offense and defense. Our opponents had a strong shooting performance in the first half, we were able to make the necessary adjustments during halftime to slow them down and secure the victory. The win allowed us to end the regular season on a high note, sending our seniors off with a well-deserved victory on Senior Night. We have performed well on our home court, with a 4-1 record for the season, so I am not surprised by the outcome of the game, but we have to take this same performance on the road if we want to be successful in the Conference Tournament."
Junior guard Amayoa’ah Phillips led the Buccaneers with 21 points, followed closely by senior forward Nico Thomas who added 17 points. It was Thomas’ hot start that energized his team early as he scored 10 of his team's first 13 points. Senior forward Edwin Solis was another standout performer for the Buccaneers as he recorded an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double, while senior guard Jalil Langston contributed 12 points and eight rebounds.
The Buccaneers now have their sights set on the upcoming HBCUAC Conference Tournament scheduled for February 25 to March 2 hosted by Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. As the Buccaneers move into the postseason with an overall record of 8-13 and a conference record of 6-10, the focus is on carrying the momentum from this victory into the tournament.