By Floyd Christie
Albouystown/Charlestown booked their place in the semi-finals of the Mackeson National Super Wards Basketball Championships, when they eased past South Ruimveldt 70-59 in the feature game Sunday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Going into the game undefeated after securing two big wins earlier in the tournament, the Albouystown/ Charlestown players were very aggressive as they sought their third victory even as their opponents put up a commendable fight.
South Ruimveldt’s Sherwin `Paxson’ Roberts, who is known for hitting shots from the 3-point range, didn’t hesitate to let one loose from the top of the key immediately after jump-ball on their first possession. It was nothing but net and at that point South Ruimveldt’s chance of winning the game looked as bright as the red on their uniforms.
Roberts’ 3-pointer was answered shortly after with a big shot from beyond the arc by Albouystown/ Charles-town’s Akeem Kanhai and coupled with some blocked shots and steals they closed the first quarter with 23 points, while South Ruimveldt only managed 10.
The Kevin Joseph, Rodwell Fortune combo at the top of the key was working wonders for the Albouystown/ Charlestown team as Fortune picked up the steals and Joseph used his wide array of shakes and crossovers to get past defenders and score to maintain their lead.
Even though they were being pressured South Ruimveldt were playing with the determination to win and with the help of former Junior National player Enoch Matthews who garnered 23 points, they were only down by five at the start of the fourth quarter.
The final quarter, however,was dominated by Albouystown/ Charlestown. South Ruimveldt’s drive to win was replaced by frustration after their opponents easily scored multiple fast breaks orchestrated by all-round defence which limited South Ruimveldt’s scoring opportunities and eventually their chances of winning the game.
Kevin Joseph top scored with 15 points for Albouys-town/Charlestown. He was assisted by Dwayne Roberts and Rodwell Fortune who racked up 12 and 11 points respectively.
Meanwhile, Gavin Beeram totaled 15 points and seven rebounds for South Ruim-veldt.
Earlier in the evening, Wortmanville/ Werk-en-Rust prevailed over East Bank, 91-80 in overtime.
During regulation time, both teams went hard at each other. Wortmanville/ Werk-en-Rust started off slowly and trailed 22-15 in the first quarter. They got it together and came back out firing, trading baskets to even the score in the second, third and fourth quarters, eventually taking the game into overtime with the scores 67 apiece. Neilon Loncke began the overtime period with two back-to- back three pointers to put Wortmanville/ Werk-en-Rust ahead early, while East Bank crumbled under pressure at crunch time.
Travis Burnette was also vital as he scored 10 of his 23 points in overtime. Burnett also managed six steals and converted many of Wortmanville/Werk-en-Rust’s fast break points in overtime.
Loncke ended the game with 20 points and Roytson Siland and Devon Cameron scored 12 points apiece for the victors, while Kwesi Roberts scored 23 and Trevor Smith secured 15 for East Bank.
Tonight, Steve Neils Jnr and the 2-0 Central Mackenzie side will take on South Ruimveldt in the feature encounter which will follow Christianburg versus East Coast from 7pm at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
