Mini-Basketball tournament with 22-20 overtime win over a strong outfit from Elliott yesterday in the final at BAA Gymnasium.

Both schools did themselves proud with an entertaining, action-filled game that had the crowd on their feet throughout. The youngsters -- aged seven to 12 -- bounded from end to end showing off their shooting and passing skills.

Royal grabbed the early lead on the strength of some dead-eye shooting by Laura Santos, but Elliott clawed their way back led by guard Daniel Brown. He and centre Amber Harvey proved a good combination, pouring in most of Elliott's points.

Elliott led 18-16 in the final minute of play, however Santos came up with a clutch basket to knot the score and send the game into overtime. And during the extra period it was Santos coming up big once more, sinking two hoops for the victory with Elliott only able to get one to stay down .

Youth and Sports Minister, Senator Pamela Gordon presented medals, certificates and trophies to the competitors, but the real joy came with the handing out of pizza coupons by Four Star Pizza owner Marico Thomas. There were additional prizes for a three-point-shooting contest as well as a game of `horse'.

One hundred and forty students from 10 schools took part in the tournament, which organiser Rick Santos said he hopes will become an annual event.

"The tournament has gone very well.'' said Santos, senior itinerant worker at the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation. "I'm extremely pleased with this being the first time this has been done at the Primary level. It gives the kids the chance to learn basic fundamentals of the game as well as good sportsmanship.'' One of the underlying reasons for Santos' promotion of the sport at this level is to some day have Bermuda compete internationally.

ON GUARD -- Port Royal's Tara Bernardo takes extra care of the ball as she plans her next move under pressure from Daniel Brown of Elliott at BAA Gym yesterday.