U.B. and Nets in semi-pro basketball finals
Good evening I’m James Adderley and allow me to welcome you to this fresh portion of Sports Monday. Game III of the semi-final round of the semi-pro basketball series pitted father against son in a ballgame that would produce the first finalist to this year’s championship series.
At the tip off Friday night at the City Centre, it’s Eric Maye of the U.S. representing San Cas U.B., while Kirk “Shabba” Smith does the honours for Data Pro Raiders. It’s also Evan Hyde Sr. against Evan Hyde Jr., the two masterminds behind their respective teams.
The opening play of the ballgame allows Kirk Shabba Smith to showcase his prowess in the paint for the first two points on the scoreboard.
Nevertheless, San Cas takes the lead with consistent shooting, as displayed by Eloy “The Admiral” Lamb. Damon Ollie then finds Eric Maye for his rendition of the slam-dunk. Dwight Myvette then does his thing down low getting two points against Olin Simplis.
Hey Kenroy Smith, maybe you should watch your back, as he gets rejected by Chaka Lightburn. Darwin Carter then lands this long tray over Simplis to extend the U.B. lead. And if you like magic, watch Carter operate against the Raiders defence to give his team a nine-point lead.
At the other end, Olin Simplis, who hit nine three’s in Game II, lands his first of this ballgame to cut the deficit to one.
How physical is today’s confrontation? Well Darwin Carter certainly finds out on this attempt at penetration–he would return to the court. And at the half, it’s a two point U.B. lead.
Out of intermission, Kirk Smith comes up with this rebound to tie the ballgame at forty-one points apiece. However, the San Cas team caps a twelve-zip run, when Carter finds Myvette who licks down the three pointer and would eventually knock down the free throw thus making the four point conversion a success.
Things really begin to look dismal for Data Pro when Carter launches to Myvette and just like that its a twenty point lead with some thirteen minutes to go.
But here comes the Raiders. Fabian Pittman comes up with this loose ball and speeds down for the easy two. Lloyd Leslie lands this big three to keep the Raiders rolling. Then Pittman takes on the entire U.B. defence to sink this left hand off the glass to cut the deficit to five. However, Darwin Carter comes right back with the answer as San Cas U.B. goes on to post the 86-80 big W. And will move on to the playoffs.
They will meet B.T.L. Nets, who gained the championship berth by blowing past Orange Walk Music Centre 94-70 in the decisive Game III Saturday night at the City Centre. 94-70 that’s a blowout that will not happen in the championship series, which begins tonight. Right now, we want to go to the B.B.A. Commissioner, Troy Gabb to get details as to this very, very fast paced playoffs.
Troy Gabb, Commissioner, Belize Basketball Assoc.
“The oncoming September celebrations that is coming, starting with the Queen of the Bay on Saturday the first, we have to be out of the City Centre by the thirty-first. Therefore, we only have one week to complete our finals, which in this case are Monday, Wednesday and Friday. However, I want to thank all of the fans for all their support and to continue to support us. We know Monday is an odd day, but it’s the championship and there should be no reason why they shouldn’t be out there at 8:00 p.m. at the City Centre supporting their favourite team. We have San Cas U.B. going up against B.T.L. Nets. You couldn’t ask for better, that’s a monster match-up.”
James Adderley
“We also see that you brought a very expensive looking Zericote work of art. Is it a perennial trophy or it’s only for this year?”
Troy Gabb
“I had commitment from the James Brodie and Company group, this is something that they would like to have done on a continual basis. This year they have opted for a local made trophy made by Curl Gordon, a sculptor on Victoria Street, I think he has done a marvellous job of it. At the same time I want to thank James Brodie, the sponsor for the trophy this year, and also for committing for doing it for a number of years to come.”
James Adderley
“Game III might come up on Friday, could you tell us if the individual awards and trophy presentation is already planned?”
Troy Gabb
“Wednesday night at the half is going to be the individual trophy awards for the regular season, such as for the MVP, Rookie of the Year, Assist, Points, Rebounds. Those are going to be awarded as well as we’re going to be having a fan of the year award, which is something that we think is very important because there are people who consistently, night in and night out go to all of the semi-pro games. So on Wednesday night at the half, the big treat for the fans is going to be the presentation of the awards. The championship trophy, however, is going to be on display at the game on Wednesday as well, and if necessary being awarded to the championship team right after the game. If not it is going to be on Friday night that that trophy is going to be awarded.”
