Smithfield Rockers were crowned the inaugural NPG Packaging First Division Basketball champion, downing Canje Knights by a 68-62 score line in the finale on Sunday at the Ithaca Basketball Court.
Michael Bowen top scored in the win with 22 points while Dason Fraser and Jamal Felix supported with 16 points apiece. On the other side, Steve Ramnarine recorded a game high effort of 22 points while Jason Gladstone and Damion Hicks chipped in with 17 and 10 points respectively.
Earning their place in the finale at the expense of Rose Hall Town Jammers in the semi-final round, Smithfield Rockers raced off into the early lead as they outscored Knights by an 18-12 margin in the opening quarter.
They then built on their advantage in the second stanza, netting 19 points while restricting Knights to 17 points to enter the half time interval ahead by a 37-29 margin. Canje then cut the deficit marginally in the third period, scoring 17 points to Rockers 16 points to go into the fourth quarter trailing at 53-46.
With a seven-point lead in their possession, Rockers would seal the title in the final period despite being outscored by a 16-15 margin.
With the win, Smithfield Rockers walked away with the championship accolade and a financial incentive while the loser received the runner-up trophy and a financial incentive. On the individual side, Felix was adjudged the most valuable player of the tournament.
