The Fyrish Fire Hawks and the Smythfield Rockerz were the first two teams to go head-to-head in the Mashramani basketball tournament launched Monday at the New Amsterdam basketball court.
The tournament got underway with Fire Hawks easily defeating Rockerz 65-45 when the two teams met at the same venue following the launching.
The dominant looking Fire Hawks were aggressive from jump-ball and appeared always on course to emerge victorious over Rockerz, who didn’t appear to be playing at their best based on their line-up.
Fire Hawks rotated the ball through good team work in the opening quarter and picked up an early lead.
They enjoyed as much as a 10-point lead in the first half but this was slashed to four by halftime as Rockerz turned up the steam before the break.
Rockerz’s comeback was however short-lived as their efforts did not roll over into the second half, giving Fire Hawks leverage to extend their lead to the massive game winning total.
Joel Fraser, who seemed to be too much for the Rockerz to handle, with consistent drives through the key and a number of jump shots totaled a game high 20 points. He was assisted by Desi Douglas’ 12 and Andy Mc Lean, who contributed eight points.
On the opposite side of the court, Rockerz’s Michael Bowen scored eight points and Michael Fullenton pitched in with nine.
Prior to the game, the tournament’s launching saw a colourful march pass of the four participating clubs.
Speaking at the opening ceremony Assistant Coordinator of the tournament, Glendon Fogenay stated the importance of sports for a cohesive society.
He also encouraged the players to be disciplined and to work hard for their team’s success in the tournament.
In brief remarks, Head of the Berbice Amateur Basketball Association and the tournament’s organiser, Kirk Fraser thanked the regional administration for considering basketball as part of the 2011 Mashramani celebration. He also reiterated the need for players to do their best for their individual teams.
The tournament continues this afternoon with a match-up between rivals New Amsterdam Warriors and Rosehall Panthers at the New Amsterdam basketball court.
