BOV League D1 (2025-2026)
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BOV League D1 2025-26
SuperCup Winner: Starlites GIG
BOV Knock-Out Trophy Winner: Starlites GIG
Coach of the Year: Paul Ferrante
League PlayOff SuperCup PlayOff LeagueCup PlayOff
BOV League D1 Final: Hibernians - Starlites GIG 77-98 Hibernians (Christian Narciso): Matthew Gouder 6, Deonte Jackson 16, Ayomide Ajiboye 13, Stefan Simic 8, Elijah Simmons 13, Ivan Demcesen 10, Matthew Attard 5, Neil Cassar 3, Piotr Stelmach 3, Luke Farrugia 0, Vido Kustudja 0, Luke Attard07 0 SuperCup Final: Starlites GIG - Hibernians 101-97
Starlites: Travis Fee 26, Jackson Threadgill 22, Alec Felice Pace 18, Musa Jallow 17, Matthew Scerri 11, Jayden Iturmendi 6, Marcus Duffy 1, Isaac Felice Pace 0, Andrew Aquilina 0, Miguel Fabri 0 BOV Knock-Out Trophy Final: Starlites GIG - Hibernians 93-83
Starlites: Alec Pace 17, Travis Fee 15, Andrew Aquilina 0, Ian Felice 0, Miguel Fabri 8, Matthew Scerri 9, Jayden Iturmendi 0, Jackson Threadgill 16, Musa Jallow 28 Standings 2025-26
- All teams qualified to the play-offs Stats Leaders 2025-26
PPG
RPG
APG
SPG
BPG
 Starlites Player of the Week: Round 15 (RS)  Luxol  Hibernians clinch title in Game 5 decider (Photo: Hibs)  Starlites Edge Hibernians in Super Cup Thriller, 101–97 (Photo: timesofmalta.com)  Starlites beat Hibernians to secure men’s Knock-out triumph (Photo: sport.timesofmalta.com)
Average Height: 188.6 cm (6'2.3'')
Average Age: 25.3
 Threadgill's 29 points and Jallow's all-around brilliance clinch BOV League D1 title for Starlites in decisive Game 5-May 4, 2026
Starlites Naxxar captured the 2025-26 BOV League Division I championship on Sunday, pulling away from Depiro 98-77 in a decisive Game 5 at the Ta' Qali Basketball Pavilion to win the best-of-five finals 3-2 and claim the Maltese men's title. After the two sides had traded blows across four tightly contested games to reach a 2-2 deadlock, the decider was anything but tight. Starlites exploded offensively, shooting a blistering 50.8 percent from the field (32-of-63), converting 28-of-33 free throws (84.8%), and racking up 24 assists as their ball movement overwhelmed Depiro's defense in the biggest game of the season. Jackson Threadgill (198-G-1997, college: App State) was the star of the show with a game-high 29 points on 8-of-13 shooting including two three-pointers and a remarkable 11-of-13 from the free-throw line, along with five rebounds and five assists. Musa Jallow (196-G-2000, college: Charlotte) was equally devastating with 25 points on 11-of-16 from the field, nine rebounds, five assists, four steals, and a block in a dominant 37-minute display that touched every facet of the game. The supporting cast was equally impressive. Matthew Scerri (183-SG-2002) drilled two triples on his way to 12 points, Alec Pace (178-PG-1998) contributed eight points, four rebounds, and four steals, while Ian Felice Pace shot a perfect 3-of-3 from the field with four rebounds. Kai Fabri (175-PG-2008) added six efficient points off the bench. The depth of scoring eight players contributing reflected a team performance that Depiro simply could not match. For Depiro, Deonte Jackson (175-PG-2001, college: LeTourneau) led with 16 points on 4-of-9 shooting, including three triples and 5-of-6 from the line, along with four assists. Ayomide Ajiboye (196-F-2000, college: Roosevelt, agency: Interperformances) added 13 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, while Elijah Simmons (198-F-2001, college: OUAZ) also scored 13 but turned the ball over four times. Ivan Demcesen contributed 10 points and seven rebounds. However, Depiro were undone by 20 turnovers that Starlites converted into easy opportunities, and their 66.7 percent free-throw shooting (12-of-18) paled in comparison to Starlites' clinical 84.8 percent clip. Matthew Gouder (194-F-1998)'s 1-of-12 shooting night (0-of-6 from three) was symptomatic of a team that could not find offensive rhythm when it mattered most. The 21-point margin in the deciding game belied how competitive the series had been through four games, with the two clubs splitting victories on alternate nights. But when the stakes were highest, Starlites' superior depth, shooting, and composure proved the difference. Eurobasket.com All-Maltese BOV League D1 Awards 2026-May 4, 2026
 The standout American guard Jackson Threadgill was selected as the Player of the Year of the championship-winning champion team Starlites GIG.
He graduated from the App State last year.
Threadgill received multiple other awards, was honored as the Import Player of the Year, Guard of the Year, and was named to the First Team, Imports Team and Defensive Team.
He helped Threadgill's team have an undefeated season as champion team Starlites GIG was not challenged in the league with a perfect 15 to 0 in the regular season.
Threadgill's excellent performance assisted his team in beating the Hibernians 3 to 2 in the final series.
He averaged 6 rebounds per game in the league.
Threadgill was the Player of the Week honoree twice during the 25 26 campaign.
He led the BOV League D1 in points per game with almost 25.
Threadgill has totalled 14 games of 20 or more points on the year and recorded 30 or more points in 4 games.
He registered double-doubles in 3 games at the event.
Threadgill's 53 points against Valletta were the most he scored in the 25 26 season.
8 out of the top 10 highest scorers in the league are alumni of US colleges.
The standout American guard Musa Jallow earned the Finals MVP of the championship-winning Starlites GIG.
He Is Charlotte alumni from 2023.
Jallow collected multiple other honors, picked up the Defensive Player of the Year, and earned a spot in the First Team, Imports Team and Defensive Team.
He helped Jallow's team have an undefeated season as Starlites GIG was not challenged in the league with a perfect 15 to 0 in the regular season.
Jallow's excellent performance assisted his team in beating the Hibernians 3 to 2 in the final series.
He received Player of the Week award in the league.
Jallow's masterful distribution skills earned him the fourth spot in points per game with an impressive average of 18 and second spot in rebounds per game, delivering an average of over 10.
He has totalled 9 games of 20 or more points and had double-doubles in 8 games on the year.
Jallow's 33 points against Valletta were the most he scored in the 25 26 season.
Ivan Demcesen, 34-year old Serbian center from the Hibernians, was named the Bosman Player of the Year at the BOV League D1.
He received multiple other awards, was voted the Center of the Year, and was selected to the First Team and Defensive Team.
With Demcesen's excellent performance, the Hibernians achieved the best record of the season in the league, finishing with an impressive 12 to 3 in the regular season.
Demcesen's best performance made his team reach the finals but they unfortunately lost against the Starlites 2 to 3.
His consistent performance as a playmaker earned him the third ranked in rebounds per game, showcasing average of over 8.
Demcesen also recorded almost 16 points per game that season in the league.
He has totalled 4 games of 20 or more points and logged double-doubles in 8 games on the year.
Demcesen's 22 points against the Depiro were the most he scored in the 25 26 season.
Xavier Brewer, 26-year old American power forward from the Luxol Sherries Estates, was selected as the Forward of the Year of BOV League D1.
He Is ex AAMU from 2023.
Brewer collected multiple other honors, was chosen to the First Team and Imports Team and Defensive Team.
He registered almost 23 points and over 10 rebounds per game over the season in the league.
Brewer has totalled 7 games of 20 or more points on the year and notched 30 or more points in 2 games.
He recorded double-doubles in 6 games at the event.
Brewer's 39 points against the Athleta were the most he scored in the 25 26 season.
8 out of the top 10 highest scorers in the league are alumni of US colleges.
The standout Australian forward Travis Fee was named to the First Team of the championship-winning Starlites GIG.
He also earned a spot in the Imports Team.
Fee helped Fee's team have an undefeated season as Starlites GIG was not challenged in the league with a perfect 15 to 0 in the regular season.
His excellent performance assisted his team in beating the Hibernians 3 to 2 in the final series.
Fee averaged over 15 points and almost 7 rebounds per game in the league.
He has totalled 5 games of 20 or more points and registered double-doubles in 2 games on the year.
Fee's 24 points against Valletta were the most he scored in the 25 26 season.
Player of the Year:  Finals MVP: Defensive Player of the Year: Domestic Player of the Year:  Import Player of the Year: Bosman Player of the Year:  Guard of the Year: Forward of the Year: Center of the Year: Coach of the Year:  Eurobasket.com Maltese BOV League D1 First Team 2026 Threadgill  Jallow  Brewer  Fee  Demcesen First Team  Eurobasket.com Maltese BOV League D1 Second Team 2026  Reddish-Rhone Howard  Ajiboye  Uadiale  Rieger Second Team Eurobasket.com Maltese BOV League D1 Honorable Mention 2026  Jackson  Iturmendi  Pace  Bozovic  Simmons Honorable Mention   Eurobasket.com Maltese BOV League D1 All-Domestic Players Team 2026 Pace  Scerri  Xuereb  Gouder Rieger All-Domestic Players Team Eurobasket.com Maltese BOV League D1 All-Imports Team 2026 Threadgill Jallow Brewer Fee Ajiboye All-Imports Team Eurobasket.com Maltese BOV League D1 All-Defensive Team 2026 Jallow Threadgill Brewer Ajiboye Demcesen All-Defensive Team *The awards were created by Eurobasket.com staff based on the stats (if available), teams' performance and players' performance.
It very often required deeper research and collecting various data about the players and their teams. Starlites Edge Hibernians in Super Cup Thriller, 101-97-Sep 30, 2025
BOV Men's SUPER CUP - Starlites 101-97 Hibernians The 2025-26 season tipped off with fireworks on Sunday as Starlites GIG Naxxar overcame reigning champions Hibernians in a breathtaking 101-97 victory to claim the BOV Men's Super Cup. The matchup, played in front of a buzzing crowd at Ta' Qali Pavilion, showcased the impact of both teams' ambitious summer recruitment, but it was Starlites GIG' composure in the final minutes-and some crucial whistles-that ultimately sealed the silverware. Fee, Threadgill Shine as Starlites GIG' Overhaul Pays Off Starlites GIG introduced several new faces to their roster, and they delivered in spades. Travis Fee (192-F-1992) was unstoppable, finishing with a game-high 26 points, attacking the rim relentlessly and going perfect from the free throw line in the game's closing stages. Joining him in the spotlight was Jackson Threadgill (198-G, college: App State), who racked up 22 points, including back-to-back three-pointers in a pivotal third-quarter run. His ability to hit from deep and in transition proved a key difference. Returning guard Alec Pace (178-PG-1998) added a crucial 18 points, stabilizing the offense during key moments, while Musa Jallow (196-G-2000, college: Charlotte) impressed with 17 points, bringing athleticism and two-way energy. Jackson's Heroics Not Enough for Hibernians For Hibernians, debutant Deonte Jackson (175-PG, college: LeTourneau) was in sensational form. The dynamic guard dropped 29 points, attacking off the dribble, finishing at the rim, and knocking down tough shots-including a late three-pointer that nearly reignited hope for the Paolites. Elijah Simmons (198-F, college: OUAZ) (14 pts), Ayomide Ajiboye (196-F-2000, college: Roosevelt, agency: Interperformances) (14 pts), and Ivan Demcesen (216-C-1991) (14 pts) offered strong inside presence, while Piotr Stelmach (205-PF-1984, college: MSU) added 13 points, including a crucial three in the fourth quarter. But despite their balanced scoring, Hibs struggled to contain Starlites GIG' offensive versatility and fast-break efficiency. Back-and-Forth Battle: Quarter by Quarter Quarter Starlites GIG Hibernians Q1 26 21 Q2 21 28 Q3 30 18 Q4 24 30 The opening quarter belonged to Starlites GIG, who surged ahead behind early buckets from Felice Pace and Jayden Iturmendi. By the end of Q1, they led 26–21. The second quarter, however, saw Hibs take control, led by Demcesen and Jackson. Hibernians outscored Starlites GIG 28-21 to take a 49–47 halftime lead. But the third quarter was where Starlites GIG made their decisive push. They outpaced Hibs 30–18, with Fee dominating inside and Threadgill turning defense into points. A dunk, two threes, and multiple fast-break scores gave Starlites GIG a 77-67 lead heading into the final frame. Fourth Quarter: Nerves, Fouls, and Clutch Plays The final quarter had everything: lead changes, clutch threes, and critical decisions. Jackson and Stelmach fueled a Hibernians comeback, capped by Neil Cassar tying the game at 85-85 with under five minutes remaining. A quick response from Alec Felice Pace regained the lead for Starlites GIG, but Jackson's three-pointer pushed Hibs ahead 88–87 with 5:01 to play. Then came the turning point. Multiple technical and personal fouls were called against Hibernians during this stretch-including one that led to Felice Pace hitting 3-of-3 free throws, flipping momentum once more. Threadgill struck again from deep at the 3:17 mark, making it 92-91 for Starlites GIG. A layup from Felice Pace and free throws from Jallow, Fee, and Matthew Scerri kept Hibs at bay. Despite one final triple from Jackson in the dying seconds, Scerri's final free throws sealed the win, handing Starlites GIG a thrilling 101-97 victory. A Game to Remember-But Not Without Controversy While the basketball on display was of the highest quality, the match was not without its contentious moments. The very first offensive action of the game saw a technical foul called on Hibernians head coach Christian Narciso, setting a surprising early tone. Later in the game, another 2 technical fouls and 2 doubtful unsportmanslike fouls were whistled towards Hibernians players, adding further tension to an already tightly contested battle. The timing and frequency of the calls, particularly in a showcase like the Super Cup, disrupted the rhythm of what had otherwise been a spectacular duel between two top teams. Many observers were left feeling that a match of such magnitude should be decided by the players on the court, not by interruptions from the whistle. Nonetheless, credit must go to Starlites GIG, who kept their composure under pressure, took full advantage of their trips to the line, and showed the maturity of a team ready to contend for more silverware this season. STARLITES NAXXAR (101): Travis Fee 26 pts Jackson Threadgill 22 pts Alec Felice Pace 18 pts Musa Jallow 17 pts Matthew Scerri 11 pts Jayden Iturmendi 6 pts Marcus Duffy 1 pts Isaac Felice Pace, Andrew Aquilina, Michael Fabri – scored no points HIBERNIANS (97): Deonte Jackson 29 pts Elijah Simmons 14 pts Ivan Demcesen 14 pts Ayomide Ajiboye 14 pts Piotr Stelmach 13 pts Neil Cassar 6 pts Matthew Attard 5 pts Matthew Gouder 2 pts Luke Farrugia scored no points Location: Ta'Qali Pavilion, Malta Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025 Officials: Bernard Vassallo (MLT), Miguel De Flavia (MLT), Fiorentina Ciurariu (ROU) Starlites beat Hibernians to secure men's Knock-out triumph-Feb 17, 2026
In a final charged with expectation and framed as a meeting of the league's two frontrunners, Starlites Revive delivered a statement performance to overcome Hibernians and retain the BOV Men's Knockout trophy. The contest had been billed as a preview of a potential title decider later in the season, and it showed the edge that such stakes demand, momentum swinging sharply after a dominant Starlites opening quarter, the Naxxar side imposing their authority in the closing stages. Coach Paul Ferrante's Starlites thrived on pace and defensive pressure, especially to hold back Paolites difference-maker Deonte Jackson (175-PG-2001, college: LeTourneau) to just six points on the day. Offensively, Musa Jallow (196-G-2000, college: Charlotte) led all scorers with 28 points. Alec Pace (178-PG-1998) followed with 17, as Travis Fee (192-F-1992) and Jackson Threadgill contributed 16 and 15 points, respectively. Coach Christian Narciso's Hibernians held a clear rebounding edge, however, as Ivan Demcesen (216-C-1991) led the game with13 boards, eventually adding 23 points to also lead his team's scoring. Matthew Gouder (194-F-1998) followed with 16 points, and Ayomide Ajiboye (196-F-2000, college: Roosevelt, agency: Interperformances) rounded up the double-digit scoring with an 11-point, 11-rebounds double-double. Gouder set the early tone, opening with a three-pointer before Fee shot twice from range to give the Naxxar side their first lead. However, Demcesen and Luke Farrugia (181-G/F-1997) made sureto open a gap before a flurry of triples from Fee, Matthew Scerri (183-SG-2002), and Jallow. Felice Pace sprung into action late in the quarter with seven straight points after shots from the line, the paint, and beyond the arc. Scerri pushed Starlites ahead by double digits with around a minute to go as Miguel Fabri added another triple before Matthew Attard replied from equal distance to keep it at an even 10 points at the first buzzer. Fabri's step-back score and floating three-ball to open the second period extended the margin to 15. Jallow then seized control, scoring from the line, knocking down another three-pointer and adding a composed fadeaway jumper to push the lead beyond 15. Demcesen battled hard inside, finishing through contact and converting at the line, while Farrugia and Gouder both hit from range after second chance opportunities. That response trimmed the deficit, but Starlites retained command and went into the halftime interval ahead 51-43. Hibernians returned with the same intensity, eager to come back into the game, and they did early on as Ayomide Ajiboye attacked the paint for successive close finishes, while Demcesen and Gouder's layups brought it to within two. Each time the deficit threatened to vanish, however, Starlites found an answer. Felice Pace converted in transition and struck from three-point range, Threadgill drove aggressively to the rim and later connected from deep, and Fee steadied matters at the line. Though Elijah Simmons (198-F-2001, college: OUAZ) and Neil Cassar (193-F-2004) landed timely triples to keep hope alive, Starlites carried a seven-point advantage into the final quarter. Demcesen's three-point play early in the fourth reignited belief, but Threadgill responded immediately with a three-ball and a dunk that restored breathing space. Another Felice Pace triple stretched the cushion to 12. Hibernians refused to fade, Ajiboye finishing a strong dunk and Gouder converting two late three-point attempts to cut the gap to six. Yet Jallow's presence proved decisive. He hammered home two dunks from turnovers and then calmly converted a sequence of free throws to extinguish any lingering doubt. Demcesen's late tip-in provided a final consolation, but Starlites had already sealed a deserved triumph and lifted the trophy after the final buzzer. Courtesy of: sport.timesofmalta.com | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
