Coach Keon Broderick impressed with All-Schools team despite losing final
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Keon Broderick had high praise for Jamaica’s All-Schools team despite them losing the final of the CASA Youth Classic, as, according to him, recruiters are all over his players following some outstanding displays.
Jamaica’s All-Schools team lost 1-3 on penalties to Rush after battling to a 1-1 draw in normal time at the Lauderhill Sports Park on Sunday.
Excelsior High’s Kimarly Scott scored for the Jamaica All-Schools team for his second goal in three matches.
Kadean Young of St Catherine High was Jamaica’s top scorer with four goals. He failed to score in the final, which also saw the team concede its first goal of the tournament.
“Scouts are interested in all the players, even players that were not here— Terrence Williams and Shamerie Chambers,” Broderick pointed out.
“One college wants to take on our captain, Williams, on a full scholarship; a lot of scouts want them,” he added.
The Jamaican All-Schools team defeated Tekkerz 4-0 before blanking ESP 2-0 to reach the final, and Broderick believes the exposure was invaluable.
“I think the trip was really good. The boys got a different experience as it relates to climate and in a different culture as well. I think the experience and exposure were good for the boys,” Broderick told Observer Online.
Broderick, who led Excelsior High to the All-Island title, was impressed with the likes of Kadean Young from St Catherine, Dusting Cohen from Glenmuir, as well as Scott and Kivan Salmon from Excelsior High and Glenmuir’s Conroy Nicely in defence.
“They were really good. Other persons who stood out were goalkeepers, Jamari Gordon and Johnoi Steadman from St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS).
“As I said before, there were a lot of scouts there who were interested. A lot of Jamaicans as well who came and showed support from many different schools. A lot of support,” he pointed out.
“And so the trip was really good. Really informative from a coaching standpoint in terms of the different styles of players that the teams came with, especially the final game from Rush.
“I believe that was a very good test of what we are doing here in Jamaica because the Rush team is a very good team, tactically and technically,” Broderick reiterated.
“I think the team did really well to create the chances that they did against the Rush team. Unfortunately, we never capitalised or converted any,” said Broderick.
The team will return to Jamaica on Tuesday.
