Kimron A. Telemaque (with ball) of Lions charges through two East players during their game at the Save the Seed Centre in Duff's Bottom last evening, April 23, 2017. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

East (black tops) pulled off a decisive 64-62 win over Lions to lift the Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines District Six Basketball Championship. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Kennedy H. Bass (left) of East, seen here in a challenge with Jevon K. Serrant of Lions, was named Most Valuable Player of the Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines District Six Senior Basketball League. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Sixth District Representative Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines presents the championship trophy to East following their defeat of Lions in game 3 of the Hon Maduro-Caines League at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff's Bottom, Tortola this evening, April 23, 2017. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The series was tied at 1-1 after games on Friday and Saturday, but both teams were full of energy and dynamic plays during game 3, which saw the East lead from wire to wire, but never able to close out their opponents.

Taking a four-point lead into the second quarter, the East pulled away to lead 34-25 at the half and carried a six-point lead at 48-42 into the final 8 minutes.

The Lions came out aggressively to pull within two points as the clock ran down and despite two free throws from Ray D. Victor, who also gave away a Technical Foul on the same play, the Lions kept coming.

They controlled the ball into the dying seconds and had two attempts to level the game, including one at the buzzer, but Bass and the East would not be denied.

Bass finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds, Ray D. Victor also 16 points with 3 rebounds and Douron Phillip 18 points.

‘A great duel’

Bass was a tired but happy man to not only be MVP, but also part of a Championship team. “Yes we are very pleased and it was a great duel. Playing 3 games in a row was tough, but we held on for the victory. They [Lions] came out more aggressive in the fourth quarter, as they had to, being behind, but we stayed together defensively, stuck it out and made some key plays when it mattered.”

Tournament organiser Eustace ‘Boss’ Freeman was also happy with the ways things had gone. “This year we included the “B” Division, so it was great to see the High School Boys involved. All the games have been exciting and competitive and [we] look forward to building the Tournament with more teams and fans coming out to support what we are doing.”

See previous article published April 23, 2017

East edge Lions to win Hon Maduro-Caines Sr League

Experience trumped youth, although very narrowly, when East defeated Lions in the deciding championship game of the Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines Senior Men’s Basketball League at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom, Tortola this evening, April 23, 2017.

Going into the best of three final at 1-1, after Lions of Purcell drew first blood on Friday April 21, 2017 and East hitting back on Saturday, East prevailed 64-62 in the final clash.

The game was billed as a matchup of youth and experience, with East boasting players such as Ray D. Victor, Kennedy H. Bass, Kerry J. Thomas, Cedrick King and Phillip Glasgow, while Lions had on their side players such as Dion M. Blyden, Jevon K. Serrant, Devorn H. Furlonge, Stephon S. Caul and Kimron A. Telemaque.

More details to follow.