Dominant Mona end JISA Under-12 Netball season with title

Mona Preparatory once again demonstrated their dominance in youth sport, retaining the Jamaica Independent Schools Association Under-12 Netball Championship for the third consecutive year. The school also won the championship in 2023 and 2024.

The Mona Prep squad of Victoria Alexander, Malia Brown, Emma Chuck, Zyla Demetrius, Cariel Gibson, Arianna Gordon, Amira McDonald, Tamoi Nelson, Gabrielle Phinn, Zuri Sang-Prescott, Amira Serinash, Kiara Shirley, Skylar Smith, and Nyla White delivered a decisive performance in the championship match at the Leila Robinson Netball Courts on Thursday, defeating Emmanuel Christian Academy 14-4 to secure the overall Region 1 title.

This victory crowned an unbeaten season, recognised by multiple awards, including trophies for the JISA Under-12 Netball Rally champions, Zone 4 winners, and competition winners.

Across the season, the team scored an impressive 152 goals while conceding only 27, reflecting strength on both ends of the court. At the netball rally, the team scored 25 goals and allowed just one from all opponents.

The team’s only loss of the year came outside of competition, during an invitational match against the Cayman Islands Under-16 national development team, an opportunity that provided valuable exposure and high-level experience.

JISA President Tamar McKenzie underscored the importance of continuing school sports following the recent impact of Hurricane Melissa.

“Sport plays a critical role in restoring normalcy, building resilience, and supporting the emotional well-being of our students after disruption,” McKenzie said.

“I commend all schools for their commitment to completing the season and extend congratulations to Mona Preparatory School on an outstanding and well-earned championship.”

Individual excellence was also recognised, with three Mona Prep players named among the Most Outstanding Players of the Season during the closing ceremony. Serinash delivered an exceptional campaign, finishing the season with a total of 84 goals.

The championship trophy was presented to Mona head coach Maureen Murray by Collise Reid, marketing manager of Canopy, marking a fitting close to a season defined by leadership, preparation, and teamwork.

Murray, who has coached the championship teams over the three-year period, expressed gratitude for her players and parents.

“I want to thank my parents for their tremendous support. I’m grateful for my girls, and they have never disappointed me. I’ve taught them a lot over the season, and I want to encourage them to continue playing netball and to continue making me proud.” All except three players were new to netball when Murray began her training regime.

Principal of Mona, Citrine Dixon, hailed the importance of the support the team received.

“Support for the team was tremendous throughout the season, with strong backing from parents, staff, and the wider Mona Prep community. That collective support continues to be a cornerstone of the school’s sporting success.”