Guyana evens the score with Suriname at CARICOM b/ball C/ships

Leon Christian
Leon Christian

By Charwayne Walker

Guyana, led by Ray Victor’s brilliance, defeated host Suriname Thursday night at the Anthony Nesty Sports Hall in Paramaribo.

The 6’1” guard Victor, who is based in the British Virgin Islands, scored the game-high 28 points with seven three pointers in the 83-72 points win.

Centre Shane Webster chipped in with 14 points and Anthony Moe, 12 points, with three treys.

Before Thursday night’s clash the two countries met five times at the CARICOM Basketball Confederation level. Suriname won the inaugural CBC contest in December of 1982 which was played at the National Arena in Kingston, Jamaica at the second CARICOM championships.

From left Auric Tappin,Mike Brusche and James Brusche

Guyana, led by centre Hewley Harry lost 71-85. James Brusche top scored for Guyana with 16 points while centre Compton Hinds scored 12 points.

The 1982 Guyana CBC Team was: Hewley Harry – Captain- Eagles, Merton Fitzalbert –Eagles, Shelly Hubbard – Eagles, Stanislaus Hadmon – deceased- Eagles, Mark Agard- Pacesetters, Brentnol Carmichael –Pacesetters, Compton Hinds- Celtics, George Sharples- Ravens, Eon Andrews- Ravens, Royston Telford-Yellowbirds, James Brusche- Y.M.C.A Kings, Schubert Cappell – deceased-DYC, Mike Brusche- Coach –Eagles and Melroy Fitzalbert –Manager.

The next time the two rivals clashed at the CBC was August, 1988 at the 7th CARICOM championships in Guyana. The Land of Many Waters, led by Leon Christian won 90 to 74. Auric Tappin top scored for the hosts with 21points, Gavin Cummings had a double/double of 15 points and 10 rebounds, Heinrod David netted 12 points and Nigel Hinds 11.  For Suriname, Marliamo Balman top scored with 18 points, Captain Isaacs Campbell 10points and Veldkamp points.

The 1988 Guyana CARICOM Team: Leon Christian- Captain- Hi Flyers, Nigel Hinds-Hi Flyers, Heinrod David- Hi Flyers, Troy Thomas- Hi Flyers, Gavin Cummings-Overseas, Mark Agard- Pacesetters, Robert Cadogan-Pacesetters, Brandis Carmichael- Pacesetters, Eion Leitch-Colts, James Brusche-YMCA Kings, Auric Tappin- YMCA Kings, Robert Byass- Wismar Pistons, Mike Brusche-Coach-Eagles and Vincent Alexander- Manager.

The battle between the two neighbours continued in July, 1991 at the 9th CARICOM championships in Kingston, Jamaica. Guyana, led against by Leon Christian, loss that encounter 88 to 86. Ludwig Dalguin top scored for Suriname with 17 points, Melvin Hunte 14 points. For Guyana, Gregory Wyles top scored with 18 points, Auric Tappin 16 points, skipper Leon Christian 12 points.

The 1991 Guyana CARICOM Team: Leon Christian – Captain- Hi Flyers, Auric Tappin-Mackenzie Hawks, Ron Robertson- Mackenzie Hawks, Mark Agard- Pacesetters, Robert Cadogan- Pacesetters, Sean Semple- Eagles, Gregory Wyles- Eagles, Nigel Taitt- Eagles, Eion Leitch –Colts, Dane Kendall –Colts, Wayne Andries- Wismar Pistons, Robert Byass- Wismar Pistons, Mike Brusche-Coach –Eagles.

The next showdown between the rivals was July, 1994 at the Cliff Anderson Sport Hall.  Led by stand in Captain Leon Christian with 24points, Guyana won 98 to 78. Steven Nurse scored 12 points, Eion Leitch 11 points. For Suriname Ludwig Belgrave had a game high 26 points.

The 1994 Guyana Team that defeated Suriname: Leon Christian- Captain- Hi Flyers, Robert Cadogan-Co-Captain- Pacesetters, Lancelot Loncke- Globetrotters, Rawlwin Loncke- Pacesetters, Don Fletcher- Eagles, Eion Leitch- Colts, Lorenzo Withrite-Colts, Sean Semple- Eagles, Willie Hodges- D.C. Jammers, Steven Nurse- D.C. Jammers, Lugard Mohan—Ravens, Edgar Thomas- Ravens, Erik Rashaad – Coach.

In the 2015 clash, Tortola British Virgin Islands- Suriname won 81 to 48. For Suriname, Sergio Randamiede scored 13 points and Yves Goedschalk 12 points. For Guyana Keron McKenzie top scored with 15points.