Day three of the 2024 Paradise Jam was induction night. Every year, Travelers in Paradise, the organizing company of Paradise Jam, honors individuals from the Virgin Islands who have significantly contributed to the state of basketball here in the United States Virgin Islands. All recipients in the past were players or game officials.
This year, organizers decided to celebrate local administrators who have been essential to the tournament’s success. Calvert White served as a member of the organizing group of Paradise Jam since 2002. As Commissioner of the Sports, Parks, and Recreation Department, he continues to assist the tournament in any way he can. Donna Andrews has been the contact person at the University of the Virgin Islands for all 24 years since this event has been hosted at the University of the Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center. Andrews is one of the reasons Paradise Jam has successfully held this event for the past 25 years.
President of Travelers in Paradise Nels Hawkinson surprised everyone when he honored Tournament Director Jennifer Ashby. For the past 25 years, she has worked hard behind the scenes to ensure the success of this event. Hawkinson included Ashby in the Paradise Jam Hall of Fame, Class of 2024.
GAME 1 – McNeese 84 – Longwood 69
Longwood University Lancers started the game strong, sprinting out to a 15-8 lead 12:56 into the game. The Cowboys of McNeese State buckled up their boots on defense and lassoed the Lancers, outscoring Longwood 29-13 the rest of the first half. The Cowboys shifted their attention to the offensive side of the ball in the second half by shooting 78 percent from the field. Sincere Parker led all scorers with 31 points, including a few high-flying dunks for McNeese State. Christian Shumate and Joe Charles both added 12 points each for the Cowboys. Michael Christmas was the top scorer for the Lancers with 12 points. Johan Nziemi and Emanuel Richards each contributed 11 points for Longwood University.
GAME 2 – Liberty 67 – Kansas St. 65
This was an electric game from the opening tip to the final buzzer. Liberty University Flames maintained the lead for much of the contest, but Kansas State University Wildcats would not go away. The Flames offense came back down to earth as they shot a tournament-record 67.3 percent from the field in their opening game. Midway through the second quarter, Liberty pushed the lead to 6 points.
Then the Wildcat’s shooting guard, Brendan Hausen, went wild, making three 3-point baskets in Kansas State’s next four possessions. The Flames also did not have an answer for K-state’s big man Coleman Hawkins as he poured in 6 points down the stretch of this game. Liberty was consistent on the free throw line, making all eight of their attempts from the charity line in the tail end of the second half. Liberty’s constant movement on offense allowed them to create great scoring opportunities.
University at 2024 Paradise Jam. (Source photo by Mark J Daniel)
The Flames held on despite the Wildcat’s frantic attempt to win the game in regulation, as they missed two 3-point shots and a jumper in the final 11 seconds of regulation. Colin Porter led the offensive attack for Liberty with 17 points. Isaiah Ihnen poured in 16 points and snagged 7 rebounds for the Flames. Sharp-shooter Brendan dropped 14 points, and Hawkins finished with 11 points for the Wildcats.
Monday is the final day of the 2025 Paradise Men’s Division Tournament. Here is the schedule.
Louisiana vs UAB – 1:30 p.m.
George Washington vs Illinois State – 4:00 p.m.
Kansas State vs Longwood – 6:30 p.m.
Liberty vs McNeese – 9:00 p.m.
