The excitement continued in this year’s CBL with the unstoppable Fire Service continuing their winning streak and clenching their spot in the semi finals as they defeated the Inland Revenue Department.
Topping Group A with an unblemished 4-0 record, the big man in the middle Marcian Calderon once again recorded a double double scoring 22 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. Owen Cazaubon and Jerry Charles contributed in their own way to the Fire Service victory with Cazaubon’s five points and 13 rebounds and Charles’ nine points and six steals.
Game 2 in Friday’s double-header showcased the Media Association against Renwick & Company. In a low scoring yet entertaining game, Renwick Cosmos won by 13 points with a final game score of 38 – 25.
Despite the Media’s efforts, Joel Polius, with his double double of 22 points 14 rebounds, led the Cosmos to victory alongside Greg Mathurin who was strong on the boards with 14 rebounds. Media’s Ernell Sexius, who posted eight points and five rebounds and Elijah Williams with six points and nine rebounds was just not enough to overcome Renwick to record their first victory in the CBL.
On Saturday, just like the Media, the Insurance All Stars were looking to record their first victory in the CBL, however, ScotiaBank had other plans, and so in an exciting game between the two teams, Sharmoir Jn. Baptiste led Scotia to another victory with a career and tournament high of 50 points as he set a record of most points in this year’s Commercial Basketball League.
Jn Baptiste brought his A-game Saturday and contributed defensively as well with 14 rebounds and six steals. With the assistance of Ron Edward’s 15 points and six steals, Scotiabank sealed the game with a final score of 74-60. The win for Scotiabank, however, didn’t come easy as Insurance All Stars gave it their all when the All Stars managed to cut a 20 point lead by Scotia down to seven in the second half of the game. Ian Lesmond’s 19 points and 15 rebounds along with Alvin Malaykhan’s six points and eight rebounds proved not to be enough to bypass Scotia and their raucous fans.
Game 2 was an intense and physical affair with no team ready to give up. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force went up against the Goddard Group Powershakers. It was a must win for the Powershakers, who have had a difficult tournament to date. A the end of the third quarter Ali Quinlan gave the Powershakers a two point lead by sinking in two clutch free throws, but Police was able to edge out Goddard in the fourth and win 68-62 surge.
Shervon Matthew and Dexter Cumberbatch led Police to their victory with their contributions of 19 points and 12 points respectively. With strong numbers on the boards and steals, the Powershakers defence just wasn’t enough to combat with Police. Gerland St. Rose had 15 rebounds, two steals. Ali Quinlan contributed to Goddard with 18 points, six rebounds and four steals. Dillan Biscette, who top scored for the Powershakers, had 19 points, seven rebounds and three steals.
As the games continue this coming Friday and Saturday, Team BOSL and Renwick will face each other to determine who will be Group A’s second team to get to the semi finals. The final game in group B will determine who will be the number one seed, as the undefeated ScotiaBank and Police square off.
Games continue on Friday November 29:
Renwick & Co Ltd vs. ECFH/ Team BOSL
Scotiabank vs. Royal St. Lucia Police Force at 9:00 pm.
On Saturday November 30:
Media Association vs. Inland Revenue Department at 6:00 pm
Insurance All Stars vs. Sandals Resorts Int’l at 8:00 pm.