Hoopers in charge
Published:Wednesday | March 30, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Adrian Frater, News Editor
WESTERN BUREAU:
Reigning Western Basketball Association (WBA) champions Hoopers are still sole conference leaders in the FLOW National Basketball League (NBL) following last weekend's back-to-back double-headers, on Saturday and Sunday, at the Montego Bay Cricket Club.
In their game against Inner-City Avalanche on Saturday, the Douglas Reid-coached Hoopers were all the rage, winning three of four periods on their way to a comfortable 71-57 win.
By virtue of their win, Hoopers now have 12 points, one more than second-place Catherine Hall All Stars.
Five teams, playing in a round-robin format, are contesting the competition, which is the most prestigious in western Jamaica's basketball.
Samuels lead scoring
Neil Samuels, who had a game-high 20 points, and Levar Rose, who finished with 18 points, led Hoopers in scoring.
Avalanche's top performers were Oniel Clarke, who had 16 points and 13 rebounds; and Cleon Morgan, who had 10 points.
In another game on Saturday, Granville Jaguars started off what was a great weekend, registering a good 82-69 overtime win over Lane Tigers after the teams had battled to a 66-66 tie.
Dave Black, with 26 points and 10 rebounds; Ivaughn Lee, with 14 points and 13 rebounds; and Huwayne Blake, 13 points; spearheaded Jaguars' win.
Jason Blake, with 21 points and 11 steals, emerged the top player for Tiger.
On Sunday, Jaguars were again on the winning trail, brushing aside Avalanche 76-50.
Black was again dominant, scoring 26 points. Ryan Harrison (13 points), Leroy Lawrence (12) and Douglas Powell (10) also contributed.