A TEAM of Isle of Wight basketball players will be aiming to slam-dunk a medal at the Island Games 2023 in Guernsey.

The inter-Island competition will run from this coming Saturday until Friday, July 14.

Team Isle of Wight has a host of sports men and women representing us, and we are introducing you to them ahead of the big competition. 

The basketball team heading to Guernsey is comprised of Conor Wright, Harrison Fisher, Antoine Lemartine, Anthony Bryan, Mitch Andrews, Billy Taylor, Rafe Abrook, Isaac Kewerla, Jack England, Ross Toogood and Tristan Hall.

Team manager, Ian Broadsmith, said: "Our preparations are going well, considering we find it hard to be in the same place at one time. Guys work shifts and a couple are on the mainland."

The team is packed with previous Island Games experience.

"Pretty much the whole team have taken part in the last couple of games. We have three new additions who will be experiencing their first games, so that should be a lot of fun for them.

"The only advice I've given them is to embrace it and enjoy it, regardless of the results.

"We've been drawn in the group that contains Saareema who, along with the Cayman Islands, are probably the favourites.

"I just want all our guys to give it all they've got for the week and we'll see what happens.

"We also have to play Ynys Mon and the Faroe Islands. The Faroes have improved every time they've come to the games since they first played in Jersey 2015, so we won't take any game lightly." 

Ian's first Island Games were in 2011 on home turf. 

"The Island Games gives a sense of pride, representing the Isle of Wight. And knowing you're supporting other sports from your own island is a magical thing," explains Ian.

"Everyone else puts in as much work as possible to take part, so it's great to be part of that."