Semi Pro Basketball season to start

It ended off with a bang when the Raiders’ Keith Acosta sank the final shot of the 1999 semi pro basketball season. Until now the 2000 season has been a bust, however, as fielding a team has been as difficult as a mid-court shot at half time. After much haul and pull, the Belize Basketball Association has finally decided to proceed with an abbreviated competition. This afternoon we spoke to BBA Executive Secretary Nellie Trench to get the details of the low calorie season.

Nellie Trench, Executive Secretary, Belize Basketball Assoc.

“The executive body of the BBA had a meeting last night with the representatives of the Semi Pro League. It was decided that there will be a semi pro season, beginning August twenty-fifth, 2000. There will be four teams participating in the season, two from Belize City and two from the districts. The Belize City teams include the Phoenix Raiders, there is a team in which Keith Acosta will bring out. And we have a team from Sugar City, Orange Walk, which will be comprised of players from Corozal and Orange Walk. And the other team is from Cayo, Western United.”

“The season will be very competitive. Last year we had five teams. And we had some disparity with the teams. This year we’re keeping it to four, so four competitive teams. There will be two rounds. Each team will have home and away games. Home games for Orange Walk will be played in the Orange Walk District. The other three will be played in Belize City.”

Games will be played Fridays and Saturdays at the Belize City Centre. And if our math is correct, the regular season will last six weeks. The format for the playoffs has not yet been disclosed. It is hoped that live coverage will be provided by Channel Five.