Courts Jets are the three time basketball champions after overcoming Canaries Moon River in an overtime victory in Game Three of the Rooster Select National Men’s Basketball tournament this past weekend. With the series tied one piece, Saturday’s game was the decider to determine which team would win the national title and take home the grand prize of EC$5,000.00.
This year’s tournament came to its climax with this final game and fans from both teams were present in large numbers at the Beausejour Indoor Facility in support of their team. The atmosphere was right for what turned out to be a nervy nail biting contest.
From tipoff both teams went at each other but Canaries led at the end of the first quarter 18-15. The Jets controlled at the half time interval, with a five point swing to lead by two points 32–30 at the break.
The competition intensified in the second half with both teams continuing the high level of basketball that got them into the finals.
A see-saw battle continued and scores remained close throughout the second half with several lead changes. With score tied 61-61 late in the fourth quarter, both teams had the opportunity to seal the win with virtually the last possession.
First, Canaries failed to convert an opportunity with 33 seconds left on the clock and turning possession over to the Jets. With the Jets recovering the ball, it was their time to grab the glory. However they were also off the mark with a failed three point attempt with 13 seconds left in regulation.
In overtime, Courts Jets proved why they are two time defending champions and put one hand on the trophy when they went up by four points in the first minute of extra time. They controlled the game in the overtime and put the victory beyond reach of Canaries, sealing their third successive National title in this year’s Rooster Select National Men’s tournament with a final score 79-69.
A short trophies presentation and individual awards ceremony followed immediately after the game with the championship trophy being handed out by the Minister of Youth Development and Sports, Shawn Edwards to the champions Courts Jets. The Second place trophy was awarded to Canaries Moon River. VBCC Warlords won the third place honors after they swept Gardens in their three game series one week ago. Canaries also receives a second place prize of EC$2,500.00 and third place VBCC EC$1,500.00.
Individual Trophy Awards. MVP of the Finals, Ron Dumurville, Courts Jets (received a gift pack compliments Colombian Emeralds and a free carnival costume compliments Just4Fun carnival band). MVP of the Tournament, Marcian Calderon, VBCC Warlords (received a return trip to Barbados compliments Carib Travel and a day pass to a Spa compliments AAMA). Most Points, Marcian Calderon.
Most Rebounds, Marcian Calderon. Most Assists, Jerry Charles, VBCC Warlords. Most Steals, Durocher Antoine, Canaries Moon River. Most Blocks, Joel Polius, Combined Schools team. Most Disciplined Team, Southern Warriors.
Congratulations to Courts Jets on their third successive title and also to Canaries for their fight in the finals in this year’s tournament.
The St Lucia Basketball Federation also would like to thank all its sponsors, officials, volunteers, media personnel, Netball Association, Volleyball Association and all other persons or organizations who were instrumental in the success of this year’s tournament.
