Basseterre,St.Kitts:-The upcoming start of the 2010 SKABA Basketball League will not only mark the Official Opening of the annual national basketball league but it will also be the beginning of the Horsford’s Ghetto Roots quest for a 7th SKABA Title.
The team had a very successful year in 2009 with a convincing clean sweep victory over the defending champions Rams Hitters in the Championship finals. The team capped a fairly good season by normal standards but a mediocre season by Ghetto Roots standards taking into consideration the immense talent of the team. Ghetto Roots for many years were labeled as the ultimate under-acheivers boasting some of the most talented players in the league but perennially falling short of the ultimate prize. However two critical off season moves before the 2009 season by Manager Wallis Wilkin may have very well been the difference that turned the under-acheivers into champions.
Former Coach of the BHS Junior Team Dr. Garfeild Alexander was brought in along with National Guard Levi “By-By” Fyfeild . The presence of these 2 instantly changed the fortunes and possibilities of the team. “By-By’s exciting play enabled teammates like Rymal ‘Bally’ Brown and Troy “Jasbo” Wattley to step up their game to higher level. Browne in particular benefitted as the presence of Fyfeild lifted some of the burden of having to carry the full weight of the teams backcourt. Bally strived with the presence of BY-BY and his eventuall coronation as league MVP was not a surprise to anyone. Ghetto Roots also had the benefit of the return of Carlos Monzac. Monzac was away from the team for 2 years but returned and instantly made a difference. His exciting play is only exceeded by his tremendous talent and athleticism. Carlos had an exceptional season despite suffering for most of the latter half with a knee injury.
In addition to Monzac team Captain Bertram Richards and Quincy ‘Puppet” Taylor were the defensive glue and inspiration that kept the team motivated throughout the season and particularly in the playoffs. Taylor also had a phenomenal finals with a shooting display that will forever etch him as one of the top shooters in SKABA. Ghetto Roots crown was no doubt William Natta. The 6’6” presence of the hard-nosed US based Bellevue University player was a major component of the Ghetto Roots Championship puzzle. Asim ‘Method” Jenkins complemented Natta,Monzac, Fyfeild and Browne with his hard nosed defensive type play which gave the scorers the room and ability to score. Vincent Hicks, Aki Crosse, Akil and Akeem Henderson ,Dennis Berridge and the oversees based Trevor Stevens and Ronnie Simmons all together became the formula that enabled a Ghetto Roots championship in 2009.
But is that formula still potent? That is the question that every basketball pundit and fan will be asking. Ghetto Roots have had some changes since the 2009 championship run. Role player Vincent Hicks has left the team along with the young Henderson twins. However former National Players Lyle Dixie Duggins, Kiethley Hicks, Ruel Craigy Nero and Halstead “Hally” Isles have all returned to the team after absences for varying lengths of time and varying reasons. All four have represented the country on the national Junior and or Senior level . These additions will no doubt make Ghetto Roots , at the very least, an even as potent a team as they were in 2009.
The Ghetto Roots’ biggest challenge will likely come from the Rams Hiiters. Only Hitters has won more championships than the Ghetto Roots over the years. Hitters boasts an almost unchanged team to their 2009 finals squad . The team is undoubtedly going through a transisiton period and may very well feature some of their talented young players. The team ultimately however will revolve around Marlon ‘Jah Love” Powell and the veterans Shawn “Shabba” Forbes and Trevor “Marty” Hugginsin addition to the overseas based Marvin Davis . Shabba is till one of the most dominating players in the league and Marty is easily the league’s best shooter. Powell maybe considered one of the top guards in the league along with Ghetto Roots’ Fyfeild and Browne.
Hitters have not made any major additions to the team that fell short in 2009. However they are still without a doubt Ghetto Roots most formidable challenge. Tuff Knots will likely provide Ghetto Roots and Hitters with their most significant challenge. Tuff Knots features 2 of the leagues young talents in Clayton Powell and Naran Maynard. Tuff Knots is also the home of college based Nasharn Maynard. Nasharn single handidly won the 2007 season for the tuff knots when he literally carried the team to a memorable victory over the Hitters .
The other teams in the Premeir division are Cayon,newly promoted Ghaut Bucs, Cotton Ground ReBELS AND Figg Tree. Ghaut Bucs returned to the SKABA league last year and made the “A” division a very popular division. They lost just 2 games but the premier league will not be as easy.
Bucs forward Kemo Liburd was easily the best player in “A” division for 2008 but in the Premeir division almost every team can present at least 2 forwards who can neutralize Liburd . Liburd certainly will not be as dominant a force as he was in the “A”. The team will do well but whether they will be in contention for the championship is debatable. However it must be said that the teams significant fan base may very well provide the boost they will need to contend for the title.
Cotton Ground is the team that beats almost every team they meet in the first 3 and half quarters but could never hold on to win on a consistent basis. The team has not improved since winning the “A” division 3 years ago. However they have remained good enough to maintain their spot in the premier division and this will undoubtedly not change.
Fig Tree has not been the same since losing Shane “Shuba” Hendricks after their title run in 2006. The team was on top of the world in 2006 when they blew out Hitters and then Trotters to win their first Title. However the exit of finals MVP Eston Williams and the career ending knee injury to Hendricks left a massive void in the team. Despite having two national players in George Goolay Gaton and the overseas based college player Kemo Duncan the team has not been able to duplicate their success of the 2006 season. The team will no doubt contend but whether they have the personnel to win another title is questionable.
Cayon will once again be the most dangerous and unpredictable team in SKABA. Cayon has made a name for themselves of losing to so called light teams and beating the so called big teams. The Achilles heel for Cayon has been inconsistency. Thus despite having talented players Dave ‘Zenga” Pondt, Geron Browne and Ty O’Loughlin the team has failed to reach the playoffs for the last 4 seasons .
Cayon will have to recruit younger players and also a coach and manager to raise the burden off the shoulders of O’Loughlin who is not only is the team’s top player but also the team Coach, Captain, Manager and sponsor. With a big and proud community such as Cayon the team needs to recruit and beef up their administrative and player personnel.
The SKABA 2010 Premier division will be another exciting year. Many teams have the potential to win but only a few teams can say they have a good chance.
Based on off season transfers and the return of former players, Ghetto Roots seem well on their way to a 7th title. However history has shown that its not always the team with the best players that win. So it is still left to be seen .
