Ravens and Amelia’s Ward Jets will face-off in the final of the sixth annual Brusches Classic Basketball championships following semi-final wins over Colts and Victory Valley Royals respectively on Friday.
The Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Hard-Court, Linden, provided the setting for the unexpected results as Ravens ousted fierce rival Colts 61-58.
A fourth-quarter defensive masterclass provided the platform for the win, as Ravens overcame a 49-46 deficit to clinch the result. The experienced outfit restricted the Colts offence to a meagre nine points in the final period, while scoring 15 points in the process to clinch the victory.
Prior to the dramatic conclusion, Colts begun the contest on the ascendancy by outscoring Ravens 15-12 in a cagey first period.
Ravens then found their groove in the second quarter, tallying an impressive 21 points, to Colts 15 points to take a 33-30 halftime advantage.
However, Colts re-established their dominance in the pivotal third stanza, scoring 19 points while minimizing the Ravens offence to 13 points, to lead 49-46 entering the fourth quarter.
Travis Burnett led Ravens with a game-high 15 points. He received support from Jermaine Slater and Ryan Stephney, who contributed 14 and 13 points each. For Colts, Dave Causway and Shane Webster scored 14 points each with Delon LaRose contributing 12 points.
Meanwhile, Amelia’s Ward Jets soared past Victory Valley Royals 72-60. Neil Simons top scored with 17 points while Donell Benjamin was the next best scorer with 14 points.
Chipping in with 10 points was Akeem Kanhai. For Victory Valley Royals, Chris Williams and Trevor Profitt recorded 13 points apiece. They were assisted by Harold Williams and Yannick Tappin, who added 12 and seven points respectively. The opening period set the tone for an evenly contested affair which ended 16-15 in favour of Royals.
However, Jets seized control in the second stanza, recording 17 points while restricting their opponents to 14 points, to enter the halftime break ahead at 32-30.
The Amelia’s Ward unit built on their marginal lead in the third quarter, outscoring Royals 19-15 to enter the final period in control at 51-45.
Jets then sealed the contest, as they out-hustled Royals 21-15. The grand finale will be staged at the same venue on November 4th.
The other teams that were eliminated in the earlier rounds are Plaisance Guardians, Pepsi Sonics, Half-Mile Bulls and Retrieve Raiders.
