– defeat Victory Valley Royals
Kashif and Shanghai Kings are the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) under 21 champions after defeating Victory Valley Royals 63-60 in the much anticipated final on Friday at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.
The game which was originally tabled for Saturday was brought forward because the GFF super league football matches were being played at the same venue. Kings took a one point lead to end the first quarter 15-14, but failed to hold on as the Royals led the score sheets 32-30 at half time.
Despite having the ball in their possession for most of the game, the Royals’ defence was weak and the Kings took full advantage. The Kings then enjoyed a 13-point lead at the end of the third quarter (52-39).
Leading the scoring for Kings were Horace Guric with 17 points, Orin Rose 14, Quincy Easton 12 and Jermaine Johnson 10 points. Royals’ Marlon Pollydore scored a game high of 26 points, Marvin Russell posted 15 points and Chris Williams had 12 points.
Meanwhile in an earlier matchup, Allenye’s Retrieve Raiders ousted Glands Trucking Service Bulls to gain the third spot in the tournament. Raiders defeated Bulls 49-46 after leading with a halftime score of 26-14.
Raiders’ top scorers included Jeffery Larose and Devon Gittens who posted 15 and 12 points respectively. Responding in a losing cause for Bulls were Travis Blackman with 13 points and Michael Turner with 10.
The MVP of the finals was Quincy Easton, who received $5000 compliments of Broad Money, while the MVP of the tournament was Sheldron Noel who received a trophy from the Angels family.
The first place trophy was donated by Clifton Brusche while the second and third place trophies along with 12 replicas, were made possible by LABA.
