The excitement continued in this year’s Commercial Basketball League with the unstoppable Fire Service continuing their winning streak, clinching their spot in the semi finals as they defeated the Inland Revenue department.
Topping Group A with an unblemished 4-0 record, the big man in the middle Marcian Calderon once again recorded a double double scoring 22 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. Owen Cazaubon and Jerry Charles contributed in their own way to the Fire Service victory with Cazaubon’s five points and 13 rebounds and Charles’ nine points and six steals.
Game two in Friday’s double header showcased the Media Association against Renwick & Company. In a low scoring yet entertaining game, Renwick Cosmos won by 13 points with a final game score of 38-25. Despite the Media’s efforts, Joel Polius with his double double of 22 points 14 rebounds led the Cosmos to victory. Teammate Greg Mathurin was strong on the boards with 14 rebounds.
Media’s Ernell Sexius who posted eight points and five rebounds and Elijah Williams with six points and nine rebounds, was not enough to overcome Renwick to record their first victory in the CBL.
On Saturday, just like the Media, the Insurance All Stars were looking to record their first victory in the CBL however Scotia Bank had other plans.
In an exciting game between the two teams, Sharmoir Jn Baptiste led Scotia to another victory with a career and tournament high of 50 points-setting a record of most points in this year’s Commercial Basketball League.
Jn Baptiste brought his A game Saturday and contributed defensively with 14 rebounds and six steals. With the assistance of Ron Edward’s 15 points and six steals, Scotiabank sealed the game with a final score of 74-60.
The win for Scotiabank however didn’t come easy as Insurance All Stars gave it their all. The All Stars managed to cut a 20 point lead by Scotia down to seven in the second half of the game. Ian Lesmond’s 19 points and 15 rebounds, along with Alvin Malaykhan’s six points and eight rebounds proved not to be enough to bypass Scotia and their raucous fans.
Game 2 was an intense and physical affair with no team ready to give up. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force went up against the Goddard Group Powershakers. It was a must win for the Powershakers who have had a difficult tournament to date.
At the end of the third quarter Ali Quinlan gave the Powershakers a two point lead by sinking two clutch free throws, but Police was able to edge out Goddard in the fourth quarter to win 68-62 surge.
Shervon Matthew and Dexter Cumberbatch led Police to their victory, with their contributions of 19 points and 12 points respectively.
With strong numbers on the boards and steals, the Powershakers defense just wasn’t enough to combat Police. Gerland St Rose had 15 rebounds and two steals. Ali Quinlan contributed to Goddard with 18 points, six rebounds and four steals. Dillan Biscette who top scored for the Powershakers had 19 points, seven rebounds and three steals.
This coming Friday and Saturday, Team BOSL and Renwick will face each other to determine who will be Group A’s second team to get to the semi finals. The final game in group B will determine who will be the number one seed as the undefeated Scotia bank and Police square off.
