VI beat Aruba to finish 7th out of 10th at CBC U16 Championships

July 10, 2016 by
Photo: Facebook

Photo: Facebook

By VINO

With a final flourish and a resounding sendoff, the Virgin Islands (VI) youngsters placed 7th of 10th in the 2016 edition of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championship after defeating Aruba 69-57 on Saturday July 9, 2016.

The game, played at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in Georgetown, Guyana, was punctuated with careless turnovers by Aruba as they fell by 12 points to end their campaign in the championship in eighth place.

For the VI, rebounding was their biggest friend in the win, out-rebounding the lengthier Arubans 66-58; especially on the offensive glass where the margin was much wider, 26-16.

K’Moi Walters dropped a team-high 18 points while Renrick Masaac and Nixon Hamilton contributed 13 and 12 points respectively. Hamilton also had 16 rebounds.

Quentan Milton was Aruba’s lead scorer with 18 points to go along with 11 rebounds while Leonardo Winterdal and Jevahno Maduro had 11 points apiece.

Meanwhile, Bahamas defeated hosts Guyana 84-57 in the final on Saturday July 9, 2016.

Ten teams participated in the CBC U16 Championships in Georgetown, Guyana.

 

Filed Under: Basketball

VI crush Dominica at CBC U16 Championships

July 8, 2016 by
Photo: provided

Photo: provided

By VINO

The Virgin Islands U16 Basketball team thoroughly outclassed Dominica to record their first victory at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships on Thursday July 7, 2016 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in Georgetown, Guyana.

The VI boys grabbed their only win of the tournament with an 82-37 victory against Dominica, in what was a probably a bitter-sweet moment, having come close to victory on two occasions and falling twice, first to Barbados 64-61 in the first game and then to Antigua 73-71 in their third.

Their 101-40 loss to the Bahamas was more or less a testament to the strength of the Bahamians.

The win for the VI also gave Dominica their third loss by double digits with the team ending the championship on a win-less note.

Kiandre Clarke had a game-high 16 points to go along with nine rebounds while Jomoi Levons had 15 points. Elain O’Neal contributed 14 points and Renrick Masaac dropped 12 points for the VI.

No one for Dominica touched double digits in scoring, with Keniah Lloyd being the highest scorer with eight points.

Both teams will now play for a bottom place in the championship.

Filed Under: Basketball

Mad Mix stun Stingers in BVIBF National League

June 16, 2016 by
Photo by Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Photo by Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

By VINO

The Basketball Federation’s National League came alive last night, Wednesday June 15, 2016, when Mad Mix repelled the Stingers, 84-81, in front of a small crowd at the Multi Purpose Sports Complex.

The Stingers had routed all previous opponents with a star studded line up of young exciting talent, but found a determined, disciplined Mad Mix in no mood to put up with losing and showing they were not in awe of their illustrious opponents.

The Mix, who have Kevon S. Lettsome as their head coach and Vancito E. Pickering Jr as the assisant, also have some key players and on the night the likes of Kimron Telemaque, Jahkeele Stevens and Stephon Caul more than matched the likes of D’Moi M. Hodge, Noel Maxwell, Ajai Frett and Tyler Cameron.

The Stingers led by 2 at the end of the first quarter, 14-12, but down by 1 at the half, 38-39 and from there the game opened up into a fierce end to end battle.

Mad Mix opened up a 3 point lead at the end of the third quarter, 58-55 and led by as much as six points during a frenetic last 10 minutes. With just over 60 seconds remaining it was a 1 point game, 79-78 and Hodge put his team ahead by one following a block, a steal and a basket, all in one flowing move from paint to paint. However, Mad Mix were not to be denied and went ahead by one with 30 seconds remaining following a visit to the charity stripe by Caul.

With 4 seconds on the clock and just one chance left for the Stingers a quick inbound pass and move saw Maxwell’s attempted 3 pointer bounce back off the rim and Mad Mix had won.

Stevens top scored with 20 points for Mad Mix, Caul added 19 points with 11 rebounds, Telemaque 11 points, Hakeem Penn notched 10 with 8 rebounds and Jamoi Dore tallied 8 assists.

For the Stingers, Hodge picked up 22 points, 18 rebounds and 7 assists, Cameron 15 with 10 rebounds and Omar Walker 19 with 15 rebounds.

Other results

The BVI Basketball Federation League had a full slate of games over the last week, including the league’s first ever women’s contest on Saturday June 11, 2016.

And Oe topped Another Level 67-41 in the junior division, Krown Heights defeated the Spartans 67-61, and the Kings clobbered Law and Order 134-50.

On Saturday, the night kicked off with the junior division Stingers defeating Young Starz 93-60.

That was followed by the first ever ladies game, with the Lady Bull Dogs notching their first win in a 47-38 contest against the Rams. Alanah Chalwell, Joy Victor and Tamara Phillip all scored in the double digits for the Lady Bull Dogs, and Rams player Shauliqua Fahie led all scorers with 14 points.

The night was topped off All Ah Wee topping East 73-59. All Ah Wee player Aubrey Daniel led all scorers with 22 points.

Two games took place Sunday 12, 2016. In the junior division, Mad Mix beat down the Celtics 103-67, and Legs demolished Zero Tolerance 112-39.

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Momentum & excitement building for 2016 Hon Julian Fraser STS Basketball League

June 16, 2016 by
Photo by VINO

Photo by VINO

By VINO

Momentum and excitement are building for the 2016 Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League. The popular League, now in its fourth year, is to tip off on August 20, 2016 and end on October 30, 2016.

Currently, registration for teams, both male and female, is ongoing and inquiries have been at an all-time high for both senior and junior divisions.

According to Mrs Kharid T. Fraser, Chairwoman of the League, teams usually wait until the last week or so to complete their registration so at this stage she is unable to say how many teams will be involved.

“We usually have around 12 to 15 teams, and while we try to keep the league to around 15 teams we have never had cause to turn any teams away,” Mrs Fraser told Virgin Islands News Online.

Mrs Fraser also confirmed that teams have begun to make inquiries about registration.

When are the games?

One of the highlights of the August 20, 2016 start of the League is the handing over of the Digicel (BVI) sponsored rings to the 2015 champion team West Gunners, along with their banner to join the others in the Save the Seed Energy Centre, the home of the League.

Games will be played from Friday to Sunday (weekends only) and when necessary on a Wednesday night. This year the draft will take place again where each team can pick up a local elite player to help bring more talent, excitement and competitive spirit to their team.

All draft players will go back in the pool except the draft player for the championship team, who will be allowed to remain with his 2015 championship team West Gunners until a new championship team is named. A date will be announced, along with names of the players participating in the draft by next month.

Launching of League

According to Mrs Kharid T. Fraser, Chairwoman of the League, in the coming weeks the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League will be launched via a Press Conference with the Founders/Directors, Leader of the Opposition and Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA and Bishop John I. Cline, Senior Pastor of the New Life Baptist Church and Energy Centre founder, being the main speakers. Also expected to give brief remarks will be Guy L. Malone, the President of the BVI Basketball Federation.

Get your registration form

Meanwhile, the Senior Team Registration is $250.00 per team, ages 15 plus. The Junior League, which is 9 to 14, is $150.00. All Junior League players’ registration forms must be accompanied with copies of passport or other government issued identification to confirm ages, according to League Officials.

Registration forms can be collected from any of the League Committee Members; however, completed forms with payment must be turned into the Hon Julian Fraser’s Sea Cows Bay Office, which is opened Monday to Friday from 1 PM to 6 PM.

The office is located west of the Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre in the gray two-storey building. Registration deadline is June 30, 2016 by 6:00 PM.

Registration fees include uniform tops and insurance for those without NHI coverage. Persons needing more information on team registration and dropping off forms can call 1 284-546-2637 or 1-284-340-1550.

The League is governed by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rules, endorsed by the BVI Basketball Federation, and has its own by-laws and governing committee.

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Bulldogs hold off charging Rams as BVIBF Women’s League gets underway

June 14, 2016 by

By VINO

Joi Victor on the attack for Bulldogs. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson / VINO

Joi Victor on the attack for Bulldogs at BVIBF Women’s League opening game. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson / VINO

After 40 odd years the BVI Basketball Federation (BVIBF) finally got a Women’s League underway as on Saturday June 11, 2016, the Bulldogs beat the Rams 47-38 at the Multi Purpose Sports Complex.

Whilst the first game of the night had featured another one sided win for the Stingers, the ladies game was an evenly matched seesaw affair between a bunch of talented female players.

On one side was the younger Rams, most of whom are part of the U16 squad in training for a tournament in Guyana, and on the other a more experienced cadre of girls, but it was the youngsters who stormed into an early lead, 17-7, to be up by ten at the end of the first quarter.

With bench rotations coming into effect and the likes of Joi Victor and Chelcey Hodge changing the dynamics for the Bulldogs, the deficit was almost wiped away by half time and the Rams led by just one , 22-21.

The game was still anyone’s and it was hard to tell who the quickly swelling crowd were backing, but at the end of a racous third quarter the Rams led by two at 30-28.

With Victor playing basketball like a high speed ballerina and Tamara Phillip solid under the rim at both ends of the court, the Bulldogs slowly began to overhaul the Rams and saw a 19 – 8 quarter see them over the line.

Phillip finished with 11 points and 18 rebounds, Victor 11 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals, Alana Chalwell 10 with 16 rebounds.

Shauliqua Fahie top scored for the Rams with 14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks, 5 assists and 4 steals, Claury Scatliffe notched 8 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists, Mahkalya Pickering also scored 8 points and added 3 steals, whilst Myka Walwyn grabbed 8 rebounds.

Filed Under: Basketball Tagged With: ,

BVI Basket Ball Federation League 2016

June 9, 2016 by
Ephraim Penn (center), President, BVIOC, at the opening of the BVI Basketball Federation League. Photo: BVIOC

Ephraim Penn (center), President, BVIOC, at the opening of the BVI Basketball Federation League. Photo: BVIOC

The BVI Basketball Federation League kicked off with two games on Saturday, Young Stars vs. Another Level and the defending league champions Young Legs vs. Kings.

In the opening junior league game, Another Level topped Young Stars 80-62. Deangelo Sampson led Another Level and all scorers with 21 points, and Tafari Winchester had 18 points for Young Stars.

In the headliner, Young Legs defeated the Kings 81-70. Young Legs’ Khaleed Gerad led all scorers with 28 points, and Killven Samuel had 22 points in a losing effort.

Action continued on Sunday, with the Stingers facing off against the Celtics in the junior division, and All Ah Wee taking on Zero Tolerance in the senior division.

In the first game, the Stingers ran away from the Celtics 109-68. D’Moi Hodge led the Stingers and all scorers with 28 points, and Tyrelle David had 15 points for the Celtics.

The second game was also a blowout, with All Ah Wee beating Zero Tolerance 101-55. Steve Parillon led All Ah Wee with 31 points, and Nigel Carey led Zero Tolerance with 21 points in Sunday’s loss against All Ah Wee.

Action continued on Wednesday with And One facing Mad Mix in the junior division, followed by East against Skulls in the senior division.

Click on the link for the 2016 BVIBF June Schedule (1)[9]

Filed Under: Basketball

Another Level and Legs win Basketball Federation League openers

June 7, 2016 by
Photo by Charlie E. Jackson

Photo by Charlie E. Jackson

By VINO

The British Virgin Islands Basketball Federation (BVIBF) launched its National League on Saturday June 4, 2016, with defending champions Another Level and Legs both recording resounding wins at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town.

Playing the first game after the Opening Ceremony, which saw the Sports Minister Honourable Myron V. Walwyn officially declare the season open, Another Level beat Young Stars, 80 – 62.

For Another Level, Deangelo Sampson top scored with 21 points and 15 rebounds, Kevaughn Robin added 13 points with 7 rebounds, and Joash Victor notched 13 points and 8 steals, whilst Malique Wattley finished with 11 points.

For the Young Stars, Tafari Winchester scored 18 points, Dequante Dabreo 11 with 6 rebounds, Kishawn Willey 11 with 9 rebounds, 5 steals and Oscar Herara 10 points.

“We realised since 2014, when we tried to bring the league, that there was a lot going on in basketball and it was a disaster, with even the Government stepping in to help get things going. However, although there was no league we hosted the CBC Championship and realised we were heading into a transition period with some players getting older and less competitive. Our mandate for this league is to focus on younger players and help prepare the U16 Boys and Girls teams for a tournament in Guyana,” commented BVIBF President, Guy L. Malone.

Legs stride past Kings

To round out the opening night, Legs cruised past Kings, 81-70.

Khalid Gerrard led the way with 28 points, 8 rebounds, Kitwana Rymer scored 11 points with 7 rebounds, 5 blocks, Franklyn L. Penn Jr scored 10 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and both Kennedy H. Bass and Jason A. Edwin hit 9 points, with Bass adding 5 rebounds and Edwin 10.

For the Kings, Kelvin Samuel scored 22 points, 16 rebounds, 13 assists and 3 steals, Sean Woods 12 points, 6 rebounds, Juan Richards 8 points, 9 rebounds and Cedric King 8 points, 7 rebounds.

Wins for Stingers & All Ah Wee

On Sunday June 5, 2016, the Hon Myron V. Walwyn sponsored Stingers routed the Celtics, 109-68, with D’Moi M. Hodge notching 35 points, 16 rebounds, 2 blocks, 13 assists, 3 steals. Tyler Cameron added 22 points, 11 rebounds, 3 steals, Amari Maduro 13 points, 4 assts, 5 steals, Requan Minott 12 points, 4 rebounds, Ajai Frett 12 points, 4 assists and 4 steals, Noel Maxwell 11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and Omar Walker 9 rebounds.

For the Celtics, Tyrell David picked up 15 points, 8 rebounds, and Kemoi Walters 11 points, 6 steals.

All Ah Wee then finished the weekend’s action with a 101 – 55 demolition of Zero Tolerance, with Steve E. Parillon grabbing 31 points, 5 rebounds, Jevon K. Serrant 17 points, 8 rebounds, 7 steals, Nat Malone 12 points, Enrico Harrigan 13 points, 13 rebounds, Travis Isaac 9 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals, Jolyon Wilson 9 points, 8 rebounds and Aubrey Daniel 9 points, 4 rebounds.

Zero Tolerance were led by Nigel Carey’s 21 points, 11 rebounds and Roger Farrington’s 9 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Ahjan Doward finished with 5 points, 9 rebounds.

Women to compete in League for first time

For the first time ever the League will feature 3 teams of women.

“It’s very exciting,” noted Malone. “At the CBC we pushed hard for a senior women’s team and although we didn’t win many games we won the hearts of many of the other teams there. The women played with heart, spirit and no little skill, so it’s very encouraging for our growth to see them competing in a league format.”

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STT Senior Varsity Hawks secure thrilling win over ESHS Rams

March 8, 2016 by
Franklyn L. Penn Junior of the Senior ESHS Rams goes airborne against two players of Charlotte Amalie High School Hawks. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Franklyn L. Penn Junior of the Senior ESHS Rams goes airborne against two players of Charlotte Amalie High School Hawks. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

By VINO

A dramatic finale to a day of High School Basketball unfolded on Saturday March 5, 2016 inside the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola as the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) Rams entertained Charlotte Amalie High School of St Thomas, US Virgin Islands in the St Thomas-St John Inter Scholastic Sports Association Programme.

Jr Rams down Jr Hawks

First up in the four match programme was the Girls Junior Varsity encounter, which was won by the ESHS Rams, 26-11, led by 13 points, 6 steals and 4 blocks from Shauliqua Fahie.

Claury Scatliffe added 8 points and Mya Walwyn picked off 5 rebounds.

For the CAHS Hawks, T. Carty scored 4 points, K. Potter 6 rebounds and S. Dinzey 5 rebounds.

Jr Boys Hawks top Rams

The Junior Boys game went the way of the CAHS Hawks, 35-24, despite 10 points from Jomoi Levons and 8 points, 9 rebounds from K’ ntenay Maduro. Elroy Bollers added 4 points, whilst Antwan Robinson notched 5 rebounds.

For the CAHS Hawks, J. Gumbs scored 7 points, 4 steals, M. Williams and K. Callendar both scored 6, T. Martin 5 and M. Loius picked off 5 rebounds.

Jr Girls Hawks rout Jr ESHS Rams

The vastly more experienced CAHS Senior Girls then routed the shorthanded ESHS Rams, 44-18, keeping the host School scoreless until half way through the second quarter and holding a 24-8 half time advantage.

The third quarter saw more of the same as the pace of the Hawks began to take its toll on the Rams and the lead increased to a 25 point margin.

The Hawks got a 10 point, 5 steal performance from S. George, 9 from E. Aska, 8 from I. Gabriel and 6 from T. Southwell.

The Rams were led by 8 points each by Laresha Martin and M. Pickering, whilst Amber Penn grabbed 5 rebounds.

Senior ESHS Rams pipped by Hawks in thrilling affair

The real drama of the day unfolded in the final game between the Senior Boys teams, when a 4 point half team lead to the Hawks became a 2 point lead, 35-33, to the Rams at the end of the third period. With just over five minutes to play it was all square at 40-40 and then with four minutes remaining the Rams were up 46-43.

Into the last two minutes the Hawks snatched the lead at 47-46, but with a minute left the Rams leveled the game at 48-48, before conceding a visit to the paint for the Rams, who made it 50-48 with just 6 seconds remaining.

With last possession, Franklyn L. Penn Junior took on a long run to the opposition basket, but stumbled and lost the ball as the clock ran out to give the Hawks the victory.

D’moi M. Hodge finished with 23 points for the Rams, Penn Junior 7 with 4 rebounds, Lestin Wiltshire 10 with 4 rebounds and Devante Brewley 6 rebounds.

For the Hawks, J. Brodie top scored with 25 points, R. James 9, V. Toussaint 6 and D. Lynch 4.

Coach of the ESHS Senior Varsity Rams, Derwyn Scatliffe commented afterwards that his boys had done all he could have asked on the day “from a team that hasn’t been able to practice together too often and was tired after no doubt going to Spring Fest, I couldn’t have asked for much more.”

The Girls, Scatliffe hopes, will take a lot from the experience and realise that if they can get to the same level as the Hawks, then they could get a ticket to further education, like most of their counterparts have already secured and that would make the involvement, dedication and sacrifice from everybody all worthwhile.

 

Filed Under: Basketball

West Gunners crowned 2015 Save the Seed Basketball League Champions

November 9, 2015 by

By VINO

West Gunners new champions of 2015 Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League. Photo: Charlie Jackson / VINO

West Gunners new champions of 2015 Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League. Photo: Charlie Jackson / VINO

The West Gunners were crowned Champions of the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League on Saturday 7th November, 2015, completing a sweep of the Splash Brothers, 80-69, in game two at the Save the Seed Energy Centre.

Having been restricted to just five points in the third quarter, the Gunners again used a strong finish to overcome their opponents, this time a 27 point last quarter surge, despite Ray D. Victor having to sit out (fouled out), led by Gerard Vanterpool.

Vanterpool notched ten points in the final few minutes of the game after the score had been locked at 55-55 with just over eight minutes left. He finished with 14 points and five rebounds.

The first quarter ended 22-21 to the Brothers, with the packed venue being richly entertained, after they had recovered from an eight point hole to pull level at 17-17 in the final few seconds.

Ray D. Victor had a lengthy spell off court following a bang to the head, but on return he had to watch the East Division Champions pull ahead after Travis A. Isaac and Shamoii A. Dagou both scored. Samuel France then pulled it back to 22-21.
Isaac increased the lead to begin the second quarter, but Ray D. Victor’s “3” soon leveled matters and D’Moi M. Hodge and Rowan Victor put the Gunners up 28-24, before Ray D. Victor added two more and Hodge splashed from long range to make it 33-26.

The Brothers then went on a 10 -2 run to regain the lead, Hodge tied it up, Ray D. Victor put the Gunners ahead, Hodge netted a “3” and a “2”, Rowan scored again and Ray went 1/2 from the charity stripe to give the Gunners a half time lead of ten points at 48-38.

The Splash Brothers then staged another comeback, in the third quarter, scoring 8 points on the run to make it 48-46. Ray D. Victor scored the first points of the quarter for the Gunners, a “3”, with 6:32 left on the clock and with the Splash Brothers defense playing strong, Isaac scored on a twisting dribble and drive into the paint, JB C. Brodie leveled the game from the free throw line and the same player put the Brothers up 53-55 with 26 seconds left.

The fourth remained tight with the lead changing hands, until just like in the first game, the Gunners turned on the after burners and raced away into a 9 point lead with 7:31 left. The Brothers though fought back to within two with five minutes left, but even with Ray D. Victor fouling out they just could not stop the Gunners as Cameron and Hodge ensured the Trophy would belong to the West.

“That was the most difficult moment ever,” commented Victor on sitting out and having to watch the drama unfold. “We played great defense and stuck to West Gunners principles, never giving up.”

Championship MVP, Hodge, finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds, Ray D. Victor 19 and 7, Rowan Victor 14 and 8, adding 6 steals and 6 assists and Bjorn Caleb 10 rebounds.

“It feels great to win,” stated Rowan Victor. “We played with great unity, stuck together and came up with the win.”
The Splash Brothers were led by 18 points and 12 rebounds by Travis A. Isaac, JB C. Brodie added 17 with 18 rebounds, Shamoii A. Dagou 12, and Charlesworth Georges with 10 and 14.

All Star Game 2015
Earlier, the Save the Seed All Stars overcame the VG Summer Jam All Stars 66-60, led by 16 points from Steve E. Parillon, 14 from Dwayne M. Stoutt and 9 from Terique Wattley. Deangelo Sampson scored 16 for the VG team and Jkwan Frett 12, whilst Requan Fahie picked up 11 rebounds.

Filed Under: Basketball Tagged With: , , ,

West Gunners & Splash Brothers Reach Basketball League Final

November 3, 2015 by
Photo courtesy of VINO

Photo courtesy of VINO

By VINO

West Gunners have booted defending champions Bayside Blazers out of the 3rd edition of the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League and will be playing Splash Brothers in the League Championship.

The Gunners prevailed 97-80 in a hard fought game 2 to win the West Division Championship on Saturday October 31, 2015 at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom.

Splash Brothers won the Eastern Division Championship with a 80-74 points over Knights in game 2 also on Saturday.

Parillon comes big in losing effort

Faced with a revamped defensive tactical plan, the Gunners had cause for concern into the second half, but it would soon prove to be putting too much pressure on draft pick and former college player Steve E. Parillon to carry the Blazers offensively, especially once Dione M. Blyden went quiet.

Parillon opened the scoring with a 3-pointer and was hot all night until the final period, ending up with 27 points and 9 rebounds.

Bjorn Caleb notched 21 points with 16 rebounds, Ray D. Victor had 26 points with 7 assists, Rowan Victor finished with 15 points, 13 rebounds and 7 steals and Demoi Hodge 24 points, including 8 in a crucial final quarter after hitting 13 in the first period and only totaling 4 in the second and third periods.

Keenly contested first half

The first quarter had ended 29-24 to the Gunners with Hodge and Rowan Victor responding to the early lead taken by the Blazers, courtesy of Parillon and Blyden.

Blyden ended with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 6 steals. During one period the Gunners had been 7 points ahead but Sekayi J. Petersen soon reduced the gap to just 3, combining with Shaquille T. Fonseca on a series of scores before West Gunners hit back through Hodge, the Victor brothers and Caleb.

Sandy E. Nadal, who finished with just 5 points and little playing time throughout the game, notched a “3” to bring the Blazers a little way back into the game, but closing the gap seemed almost impossible for the Blazers who were always playing catch up.

Ray D. Victor went 2/2 from the free throw line, Jahmarli James rolled in another two and a big block by Caleb on Jamiez A. J. Stoutt seemed to knock the wind out of the Blazers early in the second quarter. However, Parillon battled away, splashed another long range effort and powered his way into the paint to score again, reducing the deficit to 5 points, where it stayed until just after half way through the quarter.

Then with 3 minutes remaining until half time, the difference was just one point.

Parillon missed both attempts from the free throw line which would have given the Blazers the lead. Petersen also missed a field goal attempt to do likewise, but Blyden made no mistake and scored to put the defending champs up 44-42, with a “3” and two minutes left on the clock. The Gunners leveled with 1:26 on the clock and the Victor brothers combined on an intercept to make it 46- 44. Petersen leveled it at 46-46. The Gunners responded with a field goal to make it 48-46, but the game Parillon notched another “3” to put his side up 49-48 at the half time whistle.

Gunners press on

The Gunners were soon back in front early in the third quarter, but the lead switched back and forth as no team was able to put a scoring streak together. It was all square with just over six minutes to play and another Parillon “3” made it 57-55 to the Blazers with 5:41 left.

Petersen added another score to equal the biggest lead for the Blazers since the first quarter and Shaquille Fonseca then gave them their biggest lead of the game, 4 points, which was extended to six points, before Caleb and Ray Victor reduced the gap to just 2 points with 2 minutes to play.

Parillon notched his fifth “3” to re-open the lead to five points at 64-59, but Ray Victor went 2/2 with free throws to make it 64-61 inside last 60 seconds. A Technical Foul saw Blyden make it 65-61, Ray Victor splashed a “3” to make it 65-64 and then the same player stole to score and the Gunners scored again after Lyle W. Duggins was caught in possession to reach the final break 69-65 ahead.

The Gunners were still ahead by four points after two minutes of the fourth quarter but then Blyden reduced it to a two point game. Hodge went 1/ 2 from the free throw line to make it a three point game. Rowan Victor netted 2/2 to make it 74-69 with 7 minutes left, Ray matched that to make it 76-79 and then Rowan stripped the ball from Blyden and scored to make it 78-69.

Fonseca made it a 7 point game from the free throw line, but Hodge responded with a driving run and scored and Caleb scored to make it 82-71 into the last five minutes of the game. Rowan Victor scored either side of another Parillon effort to make it 86-73, Fonseca made it 86-75, but Hodge, not to be outdone, increased the lead to 13 points with a field goal with just three minutes left.

Hodge then drew a foul as he scored to make it 90-75 with 2:22 left.

Goodbye Blazers!

Petersen added a two, but Ray D. Victor would have the last laugh as he scored again with the crowd on their feet, singing “good byeee” and it was all over.

Hodge and Parillon exchanged “3’s”  (Parillon’s 5th ), the final score, 97-80 and the rejoicing had begun, albeit only until next week, when the West Gunners face Splash Brothers for the 2015 Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed League Championship.

Western Division MVP, Ray D. Victor was quick to praise his team and the Blazers for a tough Divisional Championship series.

“It’s a great win and I feel extremely happy, but the journey is not over yet and the rejoicing will be short lived. The Blazers are a great team and they played a hard game. They are a smart team with smart coaches and their tactics tonight shocked us. They changed things around and made us think for the first couple of quarters. My brother Rowan was so aggressive and that’s the reason I wanted him to play for us, oh my gosh, he is our best player. Hodge was a little off tonight, but I told him to keep going and he came up big when it mattered at the end.”

Splash Brothers overcome Knights

In the Eastern Division Championship, Splash Brothers made a clean sweep of Knights by winning game 2, 80-74.

MVP Shamoii A. Dagou led the way with 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists while Charlesworth George knocked in 19 points, Ashfield Frett 17 with 16 rebounds and Travis Issac 15 with 13 rebounds.

Jevon K. Serrant had a game high 26 points for Knights.

Filed Under: Basketball Tagged With: , , ,
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