Flames scorch Royals to win U-23 basketball crown

A scene from the final between Block 22 Flames (white) and Victory Valley Royals

Block 22 Flames won the Linden Amateur Basketball Association’s (LABA) sanctioned Kevin Joseph/Team 13 U-23 Championship, defeating Victory Valley Royals 64-55 at the Amelia’s Ward Hard Court.

In what was a rematch of the earlier group round, which ended favourably for the Royals via a 57-34 score, the Flames, led by an impressive scoring effort from eventual Most Valuable Player awardee Lerone Joseph, secured the unlikely result.

Joseph recorded a game high 27 points, with support emanating from the duo of Jonathan Clarke and Humane Reynolds, who supported with 19 and 12 points, respectively. On the other side, national player Kobe Tappin was restricted to a meagre 14 points, while R. Hinds supported with 10 points.