The local youth basketball league is in full playoffs mode as the season draws to a close.
On Saturday saw the semi-finals of the Pricewaterhouse Coopers Youth League. Both the U15 Boys and Girls Divisions were in action. Youngsters attacked the hoops at the Digicel Court on Eastern Avenue.
The first game of the Boys League semi-finals saw offensive juggernauts Assassins up against the multi-faceted Ball-a-holics.
The game was all about momentum and who could control it the longest. Both sides came to play and executed well. Defense was at a premium throughout as both clubs boasted solid offensive talents.
In the first half, Ball-a-holics looked to have the edge. It was a low-scoring affair for most of the first two quarters and the slow pace seemed to put the Assassins out of synch.
In the second-half, the Ball-a-holics were clearly at a disadvantage. With a short bench of players due to injuries, most starters had to play extended minutes. As a result, most players were fatigued as there were a lot of poor shots and defensive series that showed they could not sustain their defensive pressure from the first half.
Meanwhile, Assassins capitalized on their opportunities. A fearsome group of shooters throughout the season, they made good on their jump shots in the second half.
The play of the game arguably came at the start of the second half. With the score tied at 9, Assassins’ star player Alex Ebanks charged at the basket through a crowd of players.
His shot fell through and there was no call on the play. Those two points gave his squad the lead for the first time in the game.
The play boosted Assassins’ confidence for good. Ebanks would soon drain a three-pointer that raised the score to 15-9 in favour of Assassins. The side never looked back.
To their credit, Ball-a-holics tried hard the whole game. They had some good chances near the net and were making some good passes to shooters on the wing. However, tired legs and poor shot selection hampered any sort of a comeback.
In the end, Assassins were too dominant on offense. They made their shots when it counted and won 32-15. The win gives the squad a place in the league finals.
Top player on the night for Ball-a-holics was Ben Stoner with seven points, two rebounds and one steal. Meanwhile Alex Ebanks led the way for Assassins with 18 points, seven rebounds and six steals. David Powery also had a solid game with eight rebounds.
Assassins will next face 345 Ballers in the finals. In the second semi-final on Saturday, Ballers beat Warriors 36-33.
The game was another epic affair. This time, the winner would be decided on which star player stepped up most for his team.
No one was as crucial for his team as Brandon Thomas for 345 Ballers. Thomas lead the way with a near triple-double performance posting nine points, 13 rebounds and 10 steals. Meanwhile the Warriors’ Tiki Moore left his all on the court with 13 points and 17 rebounds.
In the Girls League, Comets secured their spot in the finals. They sent the Monarchs packing with a hard-fought 23-17 win.
In the second game, Mystics were declared the winners as their opponents failed to show.
The finals of both leagues will take place this Saturday at the Digicel Courts. Both games will feature teams with an equal shot at the trophy.
In the Boys League, Assassins will look to once again flash their offensive prowess against 345 Ballers. Fans can expect a high-scoring game courtesy of Assassins’ Alex Ebanks and Ballers duo Brandon Thompson and Jovanni Simpson.
Meanwhile in the Girls League, Comets face Mystics and potential MVP Latorae Nixon. Comets will look to avenge a 24-22 loss against the Mystics earlier in the season.
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