Win against O.W. makes Belize Bank top dogs

Good evening I’m James Adderley and here comes another dish of Sports Monday.
The playoff picture inside this year’s semi-pro basketball cleared up a whole lot over the weekend. At the Civic Center Friday night the Belize Bank Bulldogs hosted the Orange Walk Eagles in a bid for the #1 seed in the postseason

Immediately O.W. comes out hot as Sheldon Williams displays his form coming up with the interception and then the opening two points for O.W.

If you’re not sure of Williams’ credentials then maybe this rejection of Judson Stubbs will command your attention.

Nevertheless, there’s no runaway story here as Reynold Rivers drains this three for the Bank who would finish with a two point lead at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Lester Cadle, M.V.P. candidate, gets hot as he strikes for three of his team high 25 points.

At the other end Tyrone Edwards floats to the glass for two – he would contribute 16 points.

Earl Johnson, who would finish with 19 points, deposits three more for the bench right here.

The Eagles come right back with Leith Paulino who would put up a double digit 19 points and at the half we’re tied at 37 points apiece.

Things remain nip and tuck in the third quarter. Sheldon Williams gets two of his 16 points for O.W. with this baseline jumper for a 4 point lead.

M.V.P. candidate Lester Cadle then strikes for three right here. He would throw up the game high of 25 points and pull 12 boards and 6 assists. Nevertheless at the end of three we’re tied at 54 apiece.

Folks, in the fourth quarter things begin to unravel for the O.W. Eagles – Dale Turner gets tagged with the offensive foul on this move.

Eden Serrano then gets hot for the Bank striking for three of his ten game points right here.

Judson Stubbs, who is also an M.V.P. candidate, becomes the power in the paint for the Bulldogs. He gets the bucket and the foul and would contribute 18 points.

Cadle then looks for the long past late in this ballgame; Judson Stubbs intercepts and somehow picks up the pill to finish the play – Belize Bank Bulldogs go on to post the 88 to 80 big W and is the #1 seed going into the four team playoffs. The O.W. Eagles nevertheless also make the postseason.

In the other match-up over the weekend the San Pedro Tigersharks who are also in the playoffs rolled over B.N.E. Oilers but we couldn’t confirm the score.

Therefore folks, the final playoff berth will be determined this Saturday, June twenty-third when the Corozal Running Rebels face B.N.E. Oilers – the winner moves on, the loser goes home.

In football news, Sports Monday says good luck to Lisbey Castillo of Wagiya who has obtained his transfer from the F.F.B. to join a football team in the U.S.

Also here’s a reminder that the UNCAF U-16 Tournament will be staged right here in Belize at the M.C.C. Grounds from July twenty-fifth to August fourth. This is a big international event for Belize so stay tuned.

In the meantime F.C. Belize and Revolutionary Conquerors, who finished one and two in the recently held Regent’s Cup Insurance Tournament, will represent Belize at the CONCACAF Champions Tournament. The draw is set for ten a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, in Guatemala City.

Turning to the softball scene, welcome to game one of the Belize City Female Championship staged yesterday at the Rogers Stadium.

Lanisha Jones on the mound for Lady Rebels is a much improved pitcher and she is a good fielder as she throws out Lydia Cacho.

Lanisha gets out of the 1st inning by getting opposing pitcher Mary Flowers to bounce to the shortstop.

In the meantime Mary Flowers looks a bit shaky in the 1st giving up this single to Lisa Jones after walking Barbara Cadle.

With two on, Sharette Swazo smacks Flowers offering to the left side to load the bases.

Cadle Humes steps up to face Flowers and smacks the pitch to the outfield to bring in the 1st two runs of the ballgame.

All right, we’ll exonerate Mary Flowers from responsibility for this run and blame 3rd baseman Davis as Sharette Swazo brings in run #3.

The 3-zip score holds up to the 7th inning when B.T.L. makes a move. The bases are loaded around Lanisha Jones as Elaine Humes hits to second base for the force out after the runner scores from third base.

The 3-1 big w goes to Lanisha Jones and the Lady Rebels.

Game III is set for tonight inside the Rogers Stadium and B.T.L. must win to force Game IV.

On the male side Rookies beat Dantos 4-2 yesterday in Game II of the Male Championship series and could close it out in Game III tonight. Of course if you are inside the area, take a look see. It’s prime time softball inside the Rogers Stadium. Hey support your local talent.

That’s it for now though. We invite you back same time, same place, nest week. Jah overall, I’m James Adderley.