There was much excitement at the Church Ground Basketball court last evening as the two major Secondary schools on the island, faced off in a much anticipated contest in the Malcolm Guishard Basketball league.

The CSS Black Mambas seemed to have the game sown up, as early in the second quarter; they were leading with a score line of twenty-four to Nine. The GSS Green Hornets fans were absolutely silent and the only cheers were coming from the CSS bench and their supporters. A quick time out was called from the GSS bench and thereafter, something magical happened: Two grand parents who had made it their business  to come out to watch the game, suddenly found cause to cheer.  Not only did the GSS Hornets suddenly find their sting, but their two grandsons on court, Trevin Nisbett and his brother, were very much involved—one of them executing a superb three pointer.

As the scores got closer, the Coach for the CSS team, Leon Dash, became more and more vociferous, as he contested specific calls against his players.  This resulted in Referee Malcolm Ramsey calling a technical foul against his team.  Then when he angrily protested another call, Ramsey responded with a second Technical foul and the Coach’s ejection from the bench, much to his displeasure.

As the seconds ticked away, GSS got to within one shot range of equalizing the score.  As the count down for the final seconds started, a desperate attempt at a three pointer from mid court hit the rim and bounced away and the CSS team celebrated in grand style.
Final score: CSS Black Mambas Thirty-four; GSS Green Hornets Thirty-two.

For the CSS team, Cheslyn Hutton scored 12 points; 8rebs; 2assts; Mervin Hercules four points; 13 rebs; Allista Usher six points; six rebs; 1asst.

For GSS, Norris Williams scored sixteen points; six rebs; Ezekiel Benjamin 5 points; 1 reb; 1 asst; Trevin Nisbett 5 points; 1 reb.

Matches continue on Saturday evening-11th December with Craddock Road engaging CG Massives at six-thirty pm and in what may well be the game of the tournament so far, the two unbeaten teams, PJ’s and champions CG Rebels will face off, immediately after the first game.

On Sunday 12th December, Craddock Road will take on Ghetto Stars at six-thirty pm.