Western schools start shooting for title

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

The battle for supremacy in the 2010 ISSA/KFC western high schoolboys basketball competition will enter the home straight this afternoon with game one in the best-of-three finals in both the Under-19 and Under-16 competitions at the Montego Bay Cricket Club Courts.

In the Under-16 game at 2 p.m., it will be a clash of first-time finalists with Holland High of Trelawny matching skills with Rhodes Hall High of Hanover. In the Under-19 final, which is scheduled for 4 p.m., many-time champions Cornwall College will lock horns with The Manning's School, which is seeking its first hold on the title.

"It should be interesting to note that all four western parishes are represented in these finals, which is a major plus for the development of basketball in the west," said Deon Williams, first vice-president of the Western Basketball Association. "Rhodes Hall is from Hanover, Holland is from Trelawny, Mannings is from Westmoreland, and Cornwall College from St James."

Impressive WINS

In the Under-16 semi-final games that were played last Friday, both Holland High and Rhodes Hall reported in prime form and were impressive in registering close and exciting wins over Muschett High and Cornwall College, respectively.

Holland, behind a game-leading 14 points from Clifton Shettleworth, clipped Muschett 38-37 in a breathtaking contest. Alston Billings played well for Muschett, scoring 13 points and pulling down six rebounds.

Surprised opponents

In their game against Cornwall College, the Rhodes Hall team surprised their more illustrious opponents 55-54. Leon Moncrieffe was the star for Rhodes Hall with 26 points, while Jonall Levy battled in vain for Cornwall College, scoring 14 points and grabbing 18 rebounds.

In the Under-19 semi-finals, Cornwall College and Manning's sealed their place in the final with contrasting wins over Spot Valley and Herbert Morrison, respectively.

Cornwall College spanked Spot Valley 80-49, while Manning's outlasted outgoing champions Herbert Morrison 54-52.

In their demolition job on Spot Valley, Cornwall College were brilliantly served by MVP designate, Christopher Smith, who scored 19 points, grabbed 21 rebounds, and blocked 10 shots. Samoy Carey was the only bright spark for Spot Valley with 12 points.

In the Manning's-Herbert Morrison clash, the dazzling Ruel Gordon, who scored 16 points and pulled down 10 rebounds, was the main spark in Mannings' School win. Jamoi Richards, who had a game-high 31 points, was the top performer for Herbert Morrison.

Following today's game one, the teams will return to action on Thursday in game two. If necessary, game three will be played next week Monday. The champions of both competitions will qualify for the all-island championship.