Posted: Friday, October 25, 2024. 12:57 pm CST.
Jaheim Ciego, right, in practice for the Highland Community College Cougars – Photo Credit: Lisa Condie
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Jaheim Ciego, a talented basketball player from Dangriga, Belize, has embarked on an exciting journey in the United States. The 21-year-old athlete, who graduated from Stann Creek Ecumenical College, has been awarded a full-ride scholarship to study and play basketball at Highland Community College in Illinois, United States.
Ciego’s basketball career began in primary school and continued through high school, after which he played for Galen University, Dangriga Dream Ballers, and Benguche Flames in both the U-18 and U-23 categories. His dedication and skill on the court earned him a scholarship through BK Sports in 2023.
“I got the scholarship last year 2023 through BK Sports. It’s a full-ride scholarship for 2-3 years,” Ciego shared.
“As an international college basketball player from Belize, I consider the following aspirations: Academic Excellence, Networking, Professional Aspirations, and Community Impact.”
“He has a bright future along with many other boys who are presently in US Universities playing college basketball and High School basketball,” coach Anderson Rhys said of Ciego.
Jaheim Ciego, with Belize flag, along with other Highland foreign players – Photo Credit: Lisa Condie
Ciego’s goals are multifaceted. He told Breaking Belize News that he aims to balance athletics with academics to achieve good grades and earn a degree that will benefit him in the long run. He is also focused on building relationships with coaches and players that could lead to future opportunities in basketball or other career paths. Professionally, Ciego aspires to play in leagues in the U.S., Europe, or back in Belize. Additionally, he hopes to use his platform to inspire and uplift youth in Belize and promote basketball back home.
Ciego joined the Highland Community College Cougars on August 17, 2023. Unfortunately, a season-ending injury during practice last year led to him redshirting his first year. Now in his second year of college and first year playing, Ciego is eager to make his mark as a 6’7” wing forward. The Cougars, who play in National Junior College Athletic Association (NCJAA) Region 4, have a diverse team with players from the United States, Nigeria, Australia, South Africa, South Sudan, Greece, and Haiti.
The basketball season is set to start on November 4, and Ciego is ready to showcase his talent.
“I try to use my platform to inspire and uplift youth in Belize and promote basketball back home,” he said, reflecting on his journey.
With his determination and talent, Jaheim Ciego is poised for a bright future, both on and off the court. His story should serve as an inspiration to many young athletes in Belize who dream of pursuing their passion for basketball while achieving academic success.
Jaheim Ciego, # 20, with the Highland Community College Cougars – Photo Credit: Lisa Condie
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The post Belizean basketballer Jaheim Ciego joins Highland College Cougars in Illinois, United States appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Friday, October 25, 2024. 12:57 pm CST. Jaheim Ciego, right, in practice for the Highland Community College Cougars – Photo Credit: Lisa Condie By Rubén
The post Belizean basketballer Jaheim Ciego joins Highland College Cougars in Illinois, United States appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
