A stunning performance from Linden Technical Institute’s (LTI) Orin Rose who scored the tournament high 41 points in the final on Sunday evening helped his team to its second consecutive National Schools Basketball Festival title at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Rose’s performance earned him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and best scorer awards in the Digicel-powered tournament as his team defeated their opponents Government Technical Institute (GTI) in the high scoring Under-19 encounter that ended 87-79.
His topscore was eclipsed by GTI’s Shelroy Thomas who scored 43 points, the exact amount he scored in the final yesteryear against LTI when he played for Kwakwani Secondary School.
Thomas walked away with the best assists and best defence awards.
The first half of the nail biting encounter had both teams scoring often as they were tied on 36 with 1:58s to go in the half that ended 40-38 in GTI’s favour.
When the half resumed it was all going Linden’s way as they began scoring more consecutively and put some distance between themselves and the opposition to establish a comfortable 10-point lead which they defended terrifically to the end.
Kwakwani Secondary School swept the Under-17 category as they walked away with every individual prize. Dave Plass was named as the best scorer and MVP, Dominic Douglas – best defence and Jonathon Pooran – most assists.
Kwakwani blew away the Marian Academy U-17 team 76 – 44 in the final match up that had the school out of Georgetown in cruise control after the first half ended 37 – 20.
The Cummings Lodge Secondary School captured the Under-15 title by dominating MA U-15 41-20 in the opening battle of the NSBF final day.
The first half concluded 21 – 10 with Cummings Lodge in firm command as Andre Williams who was adjudged as the MVP and claimed the Best Assist awards for the eventual victors leading the way with positive ball control and sensible passing.
He was supported by their centre, Kevon Hyles whose performance earned him the topscorer and best defence awards.
