Hamilton's shot stuns STATHS

A stunning three-point shot by Jervis Hamilton with two seconds remaining lifted Hydel to a nail-biting 61-59 victory over previously unbeaten St Andrew Technical High (STATHS) in game one of their best-of-three finals of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/KFC Under-19 Basketball competition at the National Stadium yesterday.

Hydel dominated early as they romped to a 10-point lead (34-23) at half-time. Hamilton was also impressive for Hydel in the first half as he scored 12 of his game-high 25 points in the period.

However, STATHS, through their leading scorer and point guard, Lamont Lindsay, rallied in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 46-40 at the end of the third period. Lindsay scored eight of his team-high 24 points in the third, which also includes three three-pointers.

Entertaining fourth period

The fourth period was very entertaining as both teams traded basket for basket down in the final two minutes of the match. STATHS then took the lead at 59-58, courtesy of Lindsay shot, which stunned the Hydel spectators with two seconds remaining in the match.

However, Hydel's Kurt Stewart was forced to take a time-out to draft up a play for his team. The move proved to be a successful one for his team as the ball was quickly in-bounded to Hamilton who dropped in the three-pointer, much to the delight of his supporters. Hamilton, who also ended with 24 rebounds and six steals, received solid support from Paul Richards, 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Brian Martin, 10 points and seven rebounds.

Lindsay received support from Ricardo Greaves, 15 points and 14 rebounds, and Kino Elliott, 11 points.

Meanwhile, defending champions Ardenne beat St Jago 35-30 to take a 1-0 series in their Under-16 best-of-three finals.

Game two will be played at the same venue on Monday.

- R.B.