Austin Armstrong takes Juniour Cross Country 2009
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and you’re locked into Sports Monday.
The highly anticipated opening of the Inter-office Basketball season got off to a blast, Friday night at the Civic Center with all twenty-four teams representing in the opening ceremonies, which included remarks from the president of the Belize Basketball Federation, Paul Thompson, and I.B.L Director, Ian Mariano. So now let’s head into the main event as defending champions, Aero Dispatch opened against last year’s runner-up and arch rivals, B.W.S. Pressure. Charles Galvez jumps against Andrew Gordon and were underway into a monster show. The first bucket of the ballgame comes from B.W.S’ Jerome Ellis Jr., who goes to the reverse and don’t let his size fool you, people this guy is a legit baller. Not to be outdone, point guard, Myron Flowers responds out the other end with his version of the reverse lay as he goes left. Now meet the Water Pressure big man, Karim Thompson who’s got a soft touch for his size. At the end of the first quarter, B.W.S is up twelve to four. In the second quarter, Penny Ellis stays busy; he comes up with the steal against Ronald Alarcon and makes him pay. Myron Flowers keeps pace showing good handles as he goes all the way for two of his eight game points. Indeed, Aero Dispatch has come all the way back when Ronald Alarcon gets this rebound to sink the turn around jumper that ties the ballgame at twenty-one points apiece going into the break. In the third quarter, the defending champions take control of the action. Ronald Alarcon outruns the Pressure for an easy two. He would finish with eleven points. Bernard Blades wants three, he gets three. At this juncture the only bright spot for B.W.S is Jerome Ellis Jr., who displays energy and skill on this bucket. Alarcon then spots up three and he gets it to fall. At the end of three, it’s a seven point lead for Aero Dispatch. Charles Galvez, the big man for the defending champions is tough in his office as he strikes for two of his team high fourteen points right here. He would also pull nine rebounds. However, B.W.S ups the pressure and this bucket by Devon Defour gives his team a three point lead. Kareem Thompson shows good form on this move to the hoop. Jerome Ellis then displays good anticipation, coming up with the steal and then extending the lead. Then he would finish with a game high twenty points and a team high seven rebounds. Andrew Gordon then seals the deal with this lay off the glass. B.W.S Pressure blows away the defending champion Aero Dispatch, 63-53.
Meanwhile folks, Central Bank Jabirus and Belize Telemedia Limited clashed on the under cord and for some reason, both teams came out attired in royal blue, which created a whole lot of confusion. However, it certainly did not affect Devon Lozano of B.T.L who hit a three for the first field goal of the match. For Central Bank, their first point comes some four minutes in the action when Edward Baptist sinks this tre and because he works at the bank, he doesn’t have to call bank, does he? Nevertheless, Baptist is for real because he single handedly keeps the Jabirus in this game scoring twenty of the forty-one points. At the other end, Lorenzo launches the three-pointer and he knocks it down. Not to be outdone, Jason Lamb shows off his range as he strikes for three. He would finish with thirteen points. At the end of the first eight minutes of play, B.T.L is up 15-11. We fast forward to the fourth quarter, with the bank showing deficit of fifteen points when Edward Baptist goes all the way for two. At the other end, Lupito Acosta looks classy as he goes behind the back to find Marvin “Bay” Castillo in stride for the easy lay. Belize Telemedia goes on to post the 55-41 win.
On Sunday’s schedule, Belize City Council took care of the Belize Health Care Partners fifty-eight to fifty-one. Atlantic Bank jolted Belize Electricity Ltd 56-50. The Guardian/ Housing Department combination routed Brodies Milo 50-39. K.H.M.H put a hurt on the customs dept. fifty-five to fifty and First Caribbean International Bank rolled over Castillo Sanchez & Burrell forty to thirty-three.
On tonight’s schedule, Kolbe foundation faces Youth for the Future. General Post Office comes out against Port of Belize and Home Protector Insurance matches up with Grace Kennedy Belize. On Wednesday, Medical battles Belize City Council, Tuff Enuff sees play against S.S.B./B.N.T.U combination and B.T.L. FirstCaribbean Bank. This schedule will be broadcast live on More F.M.
Turning to the cycling scene, the tenth annual Jr. Cross Country Classic blasted off from Succotz, Cayo yesterday with twenty-eight of the best young riders in the hunt for this prestigious seventy mile race. Around mile forty-five on the Western Highway, this three man breakaway of Austin Armstrong, Edward Reyes and Kyle Gentle have taken command of the pace. At mile twenty-one, the lead trio remains intact but Claude Young have stepped out of the race spotting a bid to join the leaders. It’s money time when the race arrives at Leslie Imports and Austin Armstrong riding for Vega Crystal Cycling Club doesn’t really have to sprint to get this year’s Jr. Cross Country title in three hours, fifty-three minutes fifty one seconds. Edward Reyes of Team Smart rolls in for second while Kyle Gentle of Team Indeco settles for third. Here is Claude Young taking fourth half a minute later while Leon Hanson round out the top five.
Meanwhile, Saturday’s fifty-two mile race presented by the Belize Cycling Association saw the Choto brothers riding for Team Zamir takes four of the top five spots at one hour, fifty-seven minutes, thirty seconds. Rafael Choto takes top honours, Jose Ochaeta of Sugar City Stars grabbed second place while Peter, Jose and Giovanni Choto finished third, fourth and fifth respectively.
Now people, the Big one, the annual Cross Country Cycling Classic now comes up this Saturday and as usual it’s the biggest thing during the Easter Holiday. We advise you to enjoy. Hey, that’s it for now, we invite you back same time, same place, next week. Jah Over all, I’m James Adderley.
