Bahamas storms into CBC final

- Guyana blow out Barbados in second semi

Tournament favourites The Bahamas yesterday stormed into the final of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Boys U16 Championship, defeating Jamaica 72-51  in their semi-final match at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

It was the fifth consecutive win for the Bahamians, who were led by a 15-point showing from Domnick Bridgewater. He was assisted by Davonte Jennings who scored 14 points and a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds from Samuel Hunter.

Chipping in with 11 points each were Christopher Johnson and Joshua Cornish respectively. For Jamaica, Jabari Cunningham netted 14 points while Samora Williams registered 11 points and 17 boards.

In the second semi-final Guyana defeated Barbados 77-37 after leading  by a mere one point (30-29) at half time.

The game swung the Guyana’s way in the third quarter where the locals racked up 17 points and managed to hold their opponents to just two points.

In the final quarter coach Lugard Mohan was able to give his bench players a run as Guyana set up a clash for the championships tonight against The Bahamas.

The top scorers for Guyana, who led 19-15 after the first quarter were Jordan Alphonso with 16 points and 11 rebounds while Nigel Bowen supported with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Scoring 10 points each in the win were Andrew Johnson and Kevon Wiggins. For Barbados Makaari Jones scored 13 points and pulled down seven rebounds.

Meanwhile, Surname and Antigua and Barbuda will face-off in the fifth place playoff following wins over British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Aruba respectively.

The Dutch unit defeated BVI by a 70-65 margin led by a Farai Stoffels double-double of 23 points and 15 rebounds and a Serdinio Rozewijn double-double of 16 points and 15 rebounds.

Chipping in with 13 points was Lordenzio Weibolt. For BVI, Renrick Masaac top scored with 18 points whilst Elain O’Neal assisted with 11 points.

On the other hand, Antigua defeated Aruba 85-71. Ahmani Browne recorded 25 points in the win while Eric Joseph scored 22 points and 10 rebounds, Lincoln Weeks netted 16 points and Judah Ferris scored 10 points.

In the loss, Jahleel Heemstadt led the way with 16 while Jevahno Maduro contributed 12 points and 11 boards, Andre Bryson scored 11 points and Quentan Milton netted 10 points.

Trinidad and Tobago clinched the ninth position in the event, crushing Dominica 65-45. Jordan Persaud was the top shot with a tourney high 41 points as the twin island republic claimed their only win to date.

For the Dominicans, it was their fifth straight loss as they existed the event winless and in the 10th position. Kiefer Francis was the main threat with 12 points. The grand final will be staged today at the same venue.