By Rawle Toney
Alleyene’s Retrieve Raid-ers will clash with Glans Trucking Service (GTS) Bulls while the Amelia’s Ward Jets will meet the Ballers when action in the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA), Pioneer construction senior club championship continues this evening at the McKenzie Sports Club (MSC) hard court in Linden.
Playing in the opening game of the double header, the Raiders, who have been struggling recently, will be looking to pull off a win to boost their team’s confidence.
Their opponents, GTS Bulls are rated among the top clubs in Linden and they have been making steady strides in the championship so far. Centre Terrence “Platam” James and forward Kurleigh Austin are expected to lead the charge.
The second game between the Jets and Ballers will have plenty bragging rights since both team are from the same area, Amelia’s Ward, and as such the battle will be to see who is the better team.
But looking at the match up, the Jets holds a clear advantage having players with more experience on their side and has been finishing among the top three teams in Linden this year.
National youth player, Akeem Kanhai has been playing a key role for the Jets this year and he is expected to be one of the point men for the jets tonight.
Kanhai also have a great support cast, with the return of national point guard Kevin “Two Feet” Joseph along with the ever dependable Neil Simon and sharp shooting Dilbert Cesar. The Webster brothers, Alister and Domain will form the regular twin towers at the bottom for the Jets.
The Ballers coached by the animated Floyd Martindale has never beaten the Jets at the senior level but his club is expected to give a good account of itself.
Despite not having a big name player on their side, the Ballers are known for putting up a good fight and they also have a reputation of upsetting the bigger clubs in linden.
The tournament which is being played in a round robin/ knocks out format has prize money mounting to over $220,000 in total, along with trophies and retackles.
Games will be played every Friday, Saturdays and Sunday at the MSC Hard Court
