No surprises in Summer League openers!
The Opening Ceremony, however, did not go quite as the BVIBF had planned with only a smattering of teams present; a situation that President Byron Hodge indicated during his remarks would be dealt with later. “I’m disappointed in the turn out (of teams), but that’s something I will deal with later.”
Minister responsible for sport, the Honourable Myron V. Walwyn had made mention that the Federation body needs to be strong and whilst he was alluding to how fast the sport was growing, commented, “Basketball is fast becoming the most popular sport in the Territory and the Federation needs to be strong”, but his words were more than an appropriate if the BVIBF is going to maintain discipline and respect within the league structure.
Mrs Melrona Telemaque spoke on behalf of Patrick O. Harrigan, Ag. Director of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports and pledged the department’s continued support for the growth and development of Basketball in the Territory. She also made mention that “that this sport could not have survived and succeeded over the years without the continuous commitment of players and patrons who, with great passion, have helped to develop basketball as one of the most supported sporting events in the Territory. With the help of Godly principles many young men and women alike have benefited from the amazing coaching and sportsmanship that has been fostered in this league.”
The Minister, during his remarks, also re iterated the comments made earlier by Mrs Telemaque on behalf of the DYAS, encouraging the teams to play fair. “I would like to encourage everyone to exercise good sportsmanship and to try their best as I declare the 2013 Basketball Season officially open.”
On behalf of the main Sponsor, Lime, Mrketing Manager Janette Brin felt that the sport has a lot of potential to help the youths, in particular, fill their dreams. “It’s a great, happening sport and we are happy to be back on board,” she noted, “We have a lot of great young athletes, girls and boys, playing the sport and Lime feels that they have a lot of potential, so it’s an honour for us to help them go after their dreams.”
The first game of the elongated night saw the female ballers put on an exhibition match and gave witness to the crowd that they have talent and the ability to play thrilling basketball.
Joi Ann Thomas, who earlier had given a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, scored the first 6 points of the night, which, with the addition of 2 from Sheldeen Joseph, had given the Greens an early 8-5 lead over the Yellows. Bianca Brewley had scored 3 for the opposing team.
Thomas splashed a 3 pointer to make it 12-7 later in the first quarter, but a Joy Victor steal and pass to Brewley reduced the deficit to just 3 at 14-11. Dominique Wattley then netted a 3 to give the Yellows the lead for the first time at 16-14.
Joseph did her best to get the Greens back ahead during the 2nd quarter, including one missed shot that she made, and then recovered before shooting again and drawing a foul. She hit 1 of 2 free throws to make it 18-15 to the yellows. Thomas also kept the pressure up with another 2, but the Yellows survived the onslaught to lead 22-21 at the half.
The third quarter was mostly about the drives of Joseph drawing fouls and the break aways from Victor, with Shauliqua Fahie adding to the mix. The topsy turvy nature of the period ending at 33-30 to the Yellows on the back of two late free throws from Victor.
Into the 4th and a couple of minutes of defensive stalemate was broken by Brewley who increased the yellows lead to 5 points from under the basket. With the clock winding down, Kelienne Smith made a steal and pass to Fahie, but her surging run was pulled up for “travelling”. Joseph made a couple of free throws to make it 35-32. Smith, Fahie, Thomas and Joseph all saw long shots hit the rim or go wide. With 39 seconds to go, Smith missed another attempted score leveler and into the last 10 seconds the Yellows were able to hold on to the ball and secure the win.
Joseph ended with 15 points for the Greens and Wattley 12 for the yellows who won 35-32.
In the league proper, the Young Starz were led to an 83-72 win over And One by 18 point efforts from both J’moi Dore and Stephan Caul. The latter also added 12 rebounds to hit the season’s first double double and picked up 5 blocks and 3 steals to complete his night.
Aldric Thomas scored 16 point for the Starz, whilst Albert Hatchett notched 16 points for And One along with 7 rebounds. Nathan Rodney and Akeem Nibbs both scored 15 with the former adding 9 rebounds and the latter 6 assists.
The final game on the opening day saw business as usual for the defending Champions, the Legs, who despite being without Jasin Edwin and Kennedy Bass, had just enough power to hold off the Kings 61-55.
Each quarter had been evenly matched with neither team able to grab an advantage until the Legs showed why they are Champions with a dominant last quarter to wrestle the game away from the Kings.
Khalid Jerrard top scored for Legs with 26 points and 12 rebounds. Dion Blyden scored 14 and Trevor Stephen added 7 whilst the Kings were led by Ray Victor’s 17 point and 15 rebound effort. Kameron Young scored 11 points with 8 rebounds and Cedric King 10 points with 14 rebounds.
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