Unbeaten Mackenzie High edged Christianburg/Wismar Secondary 37-36 in the finale of the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) sanctioned Sunburst Secondary Schools U-17 Basketball tourney last Friday at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hardcourt, Linden.
In what would prove to be the mirror image of their earlier group stage matchup, Mackenzie High would take the lead in the low scoring first quarter 7-6. Mackenzie High would register 11 points in the second quarter while restricting their opponents to five points as they went into half time leading 18-12.
The trend of the fixture would continue in the third period as Mackenzie High extended their advantage a further one point to take a 29-21 lead going into the final quarter.
With their title hopes slipping away against their opponents, Christianburg/ Wismar almost pulled off the remarkable comeback victory, outscoring their opponents by a 15-8 margin in the final quarter, only to eventually fall one point short. Daniel Anthony led the winners with 16 points, five assists and six steals. He was supported by Yannick Tappin who registered figures of seven points, seven assists and four rebounds and Tyrese Mitchell who collected six points, four rebounds and three steals.
Championing the Christianburg/ Wismar cause was Gregory Europe who registered figures of 16 points and seven rebounds. Supporting Europe with five points apiece were the duo of Dellon Patterson and Akini Wilson. In the third place matchup, Linden Foundation Secondary blew out New Silvercity Secondary by a 63-30 score line.
In the presentation that followed the conclusion of the fixtures, Mackenzie High was presented with the championship trophy and replicas. Christianburg/ Wismar Secondary were presented with the runners-up accolade and medals for their effort while Linden Foundation collected the third place title. In the individual award section, Mackenzie’s Anthony was adjudged to be the event’s most valuable player.
