The late start did not slow the action on Sunday as the Co-operators General Insurance, Barbados Amateur Basketball Association (BABA) Premier League delivered exciting games at the Barbados Community College (BCC).
In the opener, the Island Care Ambulance Service & BodyxB Lakers shook off early jitters to outlast the NSC Combined Schools Tridents 89-77. The second game was a heavyweight clash as the league-leading 246 Mobile Shop City United Celtics overpowered a fiery Pinelands squad, 105-95.
After a delayed tip-off due to unforeseen circumstances, the Lakers found themselves trailing by two at the end of the first quarter. But once they settled into a rhythm, it was all business. Primus Walrond was an absolute menace in the paint, scoring 28 points and hauling in 13 rebounds. He was everywhere, snatching boards, bullying defenders, and finishing strong at the rim.
Keefe Birkett added 27 points, including 4-of-10 from deep and a perfect 5-of-5 from the line. Jimal Singh had 14 points while Scott Wharton contributed 11 and seven rebounds in a well-balanced effort.
The Lakers controlled the glass, out-rebounding the Tridents 53-52, and their passing game was sharp, notching 26 assists as they moved the ball freely and found high-percentage looks.
The Tridents had bright spots, specifically Zane Gaskin, who dished out 11 assists to go with 13 points and 10 assists, and Darreon Griffin dropped 14. However, their defence could not contain the Lakers’ interior assault. Lakers outscored them 42-34 in the paint and led by as many as 18 in the second half.
In the second matchup of the afternoon, the undefeated 246 Mobile Shop City United Celtics showed why they are at the top of the table. Pinelands came with intensity and flair, but the Celtics’ depth and discipline proved too much in the 105-95 victory.
Rachad Hall easily spins off the defense in the open court.
Rachad Hall of Pinelands was a one-man highlight reel, dropping 28 points, weaving through defenders like they were training cones, and finishing with style at the rim. He was relentless from tip to buzzer. Teammate Nigel Jones added 24, and Miles Weber contributed 13, but it was not enough to slow the green machine Celtics.
City United was clinical. Seven players scored in double figures, including, Theo Greenidge (16), Kiserian Adams (15) and Jahmai White and Renico Brewster scored 12 each. The Celtics bench dropped 47 points, a testament to their unrivaled rotation in the league. They were fluid on both ends of the floor, recording 20 assists and holding steady even when Pinelands mounted a fourth-quarter push.
Deroni Hurley and Joel Hunte set the tone early, and White brought started well scoring easy buckets. The Celtics shot 46% from the field and punished every Pinelands turnover, scoring 24 points off mistakes.
The Celtics’ largest lead hit 23, and even as Pinelands closed the gap late, they never got within true striking distance. This win pushes City United further ahead in the standings, and the message is clear, beat them in the looming playoffs, or watch them cruise to the title. (AS)
