Two-time KFC National Basketball League champions Soufrière Kings are heading home this week after competing in the Central Division of the 2025 Kréyol Basketball Championship in neighbouring Martinique. The Kings lost both of their matchups in the regional tournament, which wrapped up on Tuesday.
To bolster their roster for the French campaign, the Kings recruited two of Saint Lucia’s top wing players: Ryan Philogene of Courts Jets and veteran swingman Troy Louison of Bonneterre Blazers. The pair joined the title-holders in their challenge against Martinique’s leading clubs.
On Saturday at the Pellière Donatien Hall in Fort de France, Golden Star BB prevailed 77-67 over the Saint Lucian visitors. Grégory Filet led a balanced Golden Star attack, whilst Soufrière got 21 points from Jayzee Saltibus, 14 from Louison, and nine from Philogene.
On Monday night, a thrilling battle went down to the final minutes, but Golden Lion held on for the 83-80 win over Soufrière. Yvan Cheviot scored 27 and Lilian Magdeleine 22 for the winners. Louison led the Kings with 20, Saltibus contributed 14, whilst Philogene and captain Clayton Williams had 12 each.
Golden Star defeated Golden Lion in the championship matchup. They will now compete in the Final Four in Guadeloupe in December to determine the Kréyol Kings. This Friday, Golden Star and Golden Lion will meet again in the Coupe de France.
The Kréyol Basketball Championship is hosted by the non-governmental organisation Caraïbes Sport et Développement Durable. The inter-island club tournament is designed to serve as a platform for developing basketball at the next level throughout the Caribbean region.
