Barbados and The Bahamas secured opening night wins when the historic Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) u16 Championships commenced yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Homestretch Avenue.
Trailing 38-53 heading into the final quarter, the Barbadians outhustled the lads from the British Virgin Islands 26-8 to clinch the come-from-behind win. Zachary Moore recorded 13 points and nine rebounds in the win while Makari Jones assisted with 12 points, five rebounds, four assists and as many steals.
Contributing a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds was Kiserian Adams while Rasheed Maynard netted 10 points. On the other side, Elain O’Neal recorded a double-double of 15 points, 11 rebounds and six steals.
He was supported by Kiandre Clarke who scored 10 points and four rebounds and K’Moi Walters who scored eight points and five rebounds.
Meanwhile, tourney favourite The Bahamas sent an early warning to the field as they dismissed Antigua and Barbuda 109-71 in the event’s opener. D. Bridgewater top scored for The Bahamians with 16 points, six assists and four steals while D. Thompson was the next best scorer with 14 points, 11 rebounds, four steals and four assists.
They were assisted S. Hunter, D. Jennings, C. Johnson, J. Cornish, M. Cartwright and D. Moxey who chipped in with 12, 11, 11, 11, 10 and nine points respectively. For the loser, A. Green recorded a game high 20 points while L. Weeks, E. Joseph and A. Browne scored 19, 14 and 12 points respectively.
Up to press time, Suriname and Jamaica were in action while hosts Guyana was to faceoff against Aruba.
The event which is being held for the second time on local shores, will be played in an initial group format.
Upon the conclusion of the group round, the top two teams from each zone will advance to the semi-final round, with the remaining sides battling it out in a positional tournament.
