• Pacesetters beat Ravens in dramatic game: Brings exciting end to 2008 season
  • By Edison Jefford | December 29, 2008
    It was dramatic, emotional and aggressive; it was a fitting end to competitive basketball this year as Courts Pacesetters survived against Dyna’s Ravens in overtime at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall Saturday night.
    Stephon Gillis provided a mature performance to lead his team to an 82–75 points win in overtime after regulation time expired with both teams on 68 points.
    Gillis finished the game on 24 points while debut first division starter for Pacesetters, Travis Burnett had 14 points with Royston Siland and Jermaine Hamilton adding 12 and 10 points respectively for the team.
    Surprisingly, guard Darcel Harris was the only player for Ravens in double figures at the end of the game with 20 points as Damian Liverpool, Ryan Stephney and Ryan Gullen failed to show up on the offensive sheet.
    After finding an easy system that placed Ravens under defensive pressure in the first two quarters of the game, Ravens came back to provide basketball enthusiast with sufficient entertainment in final minutes of regulation time.
    Siland had fouled out of the game with 5:11 left in normal time with Pacesetters trailing 58–60, but Hamilton made two free throws to equalise the scores. However, Ravens’ Kevin Lawrence was quick to put Ravens back in the lead.
    Lawrence’s fast break lay–up triggered a mini offensive run as Harris and Seraiah Clarke finished consecutive plays that positioned Ravens 68–62 with less than two minutes remaining before the final whistle.
    But the game dramatically changed when Gillis landed a big three–point jumper to level the scores at 68 points with one minute left in the game. However that time expired as Harris and Burnett’s attempts failed to drop.
    The defensive nature of the game intensified for five minutes of gruelling basketball that brought everyone in the Sports Hall to their feet. A Gillis runner in the lane gave Courts a 72–70 points lead with 3:08 to play in overtime.
    Ravens offence fell apart as Pacesetters suffocated Harris, who was obviously the feature of the team’s scoring. Naylon Loncke got away at the other end of the court to finish another runner to extend Pacesetters’ lead.
    As Ravens struggled to convert, Hugh Arthur, Burnett and Gillis helped Pacesetters to an easy 82–75 points lead in the final minute that eventually became the final score line in the much–anticipated consolation game.
    In the process of beating Ravens, Pacesetters broke a superstitious jinx that suggested that Ravens have their measure. The win was just reward for Coach Robert Cadogan against a team that is just as good as his Pacesetters.
  • `Brown Sugar’ Roberts’ 26 points helps Royals beat Pistons: Jets down Patriots 69-43
  • By Joe Chapman
    Victory Valley Royals, led by the energetic centre Dwayne ‘Brown Sugar’ Roberts, stopped the unbeaten run of national club champions Wismar Pistons and kept their own unblemished record intact with a 52-47 win, while Amelia’s Ward Jets handed Patriots a 69-43 loss as play in the Pioneer Construction/LABA Senior Club championship first round action continued at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court Saturday night. Roberts played excellently at both ends of the floor to jump-start his side against the Pistons who are seeking their third straight title first division for the year, and they were coming off a tough win against New Ballers when they had just six players on their roster.
    However, this time the Pistons came with all their firepower but the Royals were determined not to be denied a win against the unbeaten Pistons. Up to the task at hand, the Valley side finished the first half in the lead 29-18 with the Pistons still seeking a combination to thwart the efforts of the Royals who had Roberts, young Chris Williams and Lawrence Da Costa pounding the boards. At the third quarter the Royals looked to continue to pressure to their opponents who could not match their flowing aggressive play as Roberts kept a cool head throughout the encounter. Then Royals blossomed to increase their lead to double digits.  They were up 30-20 and ended the third quarter ahead 35-26. Coach Raphael Damon tried rotating his players but this did not bother the rhythm of the Royals side using an eight-man rotation as Trevor Profitt, Quincy Jones and others failed to get their firepower in place. Roberts proved to be the cornerstone for his side and soon the Valley side were able to take a 47-30 lead with 7:47 remaining. The Pistons made their final run for success and were able to trail by six 48-42 as the Royals hit a bad patch. But the Valley players recovered in time to eventually come away with a deserved victory by a 53-47 score-line. Roberts led all scorers with 26 points, following his 29 in their win against Glands Trucking Service Bulls, while Chris Williams had 10 and Da Costa and Anson Durant had nine apiece. Trevor Profitt had 20 points after scoring the first eight for his team’s first quarter 10 points, Quincy Jones and Mark Louis each got six.
    Earlier in the evening in the match between Jets and Patriots, there was an 8-8 tie at the end of the first quarter and the Patriots looked in good nick at halftime leading 25-21.
    However, a huge third quarter period saw the Jets come through to outscore their opponents by ten points, 19-9, to hold sway at the end of the third quarter, 40-30, and doubled their cushion by 20 points with a 29-9 run during that last period to finally close out the Patriots for a fine 69-43 win. Kevin Joseph marked his return to the Jets fold with 29 points after netting his team’s first ten points while Neil Simon had 11 and Akeem Kanhai 10 for the winners. Neil Marks and Alwyn Wilson each had 11 points for the Patriots and he was supported by Leslie Bastiani who netted 10.
  • Jets, Royals win latest matches
  • December 29, 2008 | By knews
    Play in the Pioneer Construction/LABA Senior Club Basketball League continued recently at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hardcourt with first round matches in the double round league. In the opening game of the night, Amelia’s Ward Jets beat Patriots 69-43. After the first quarter the scores were level at 8-8, however, by half time Patriots held the advantage 25-21. Moving into the third quarter, Jets assumed the ascendency 40-34 and eventually won the contest 69-43. Keniv Joseph scored a game high 29 points, Neil Simon and Akeem Kanhai both scored 11 for the Jets. For Patriots, Neil Marks and Alwyn Wilson each netted 11 points and Leslie Bastiani 11.
    In the second match, a contest between two previously unbeaten clubs, Royals overcame Pistons 53-47. The opening period saw the score at 15-10 in favour of Royals, while at half time they led 29-18, and by the third quarter they were leading 35-26 as they closed out the game 53-47. Royals were led to victory by Dwayne Roberts with 26 points, Chris Williams 10, Lawrence Da Costa and Anson Durant 9 each. Pistons’ best scorers were Trevor Profitt with 20 points, after scoring the team’s first ten points, Quincy Jones and Mark Louis each got nine points.
  • Ravens, Pacesetters to finally settle score
  • December 27, 2008 | By Edison Jefford
    Courts Pacesetters and Dyna’s Ravens will finally settle the question of who is the best first division club in Georgetown tonight when they meet in a long–awaited grudge game compliments of Accomplished Entertainment.
    The last two occasions that brought the teams together ended unfortunately; one because of over aggression and the other because of a time lapse. This is the third meeting of the two top teams in Georgetown this year.
    The ‘Evening of Champions’, as the promotion company dubbed, is expected to jump off with a preceding game between Nets and Pepsi Sonics at 7pm at the country’s premier indoor venue: the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
    A victory for either team in the feature Pacesetters and Ravens game will be based on the individual performance of certain key players. Kaieteur Sport presents a head–to–head comparison of those players.
    Courts Pacesetters and Ravens
    Head–to–Head
    The Guards
    Courts Pacesetters and national shooting guard, Stephon Gillis is a mature player outside the three–point perimeter but overshoots the ball on bad nights; he can change games once he discovers momentum.
    Dyna’s Ravens and national point guard, Ryan Stephney impressed all who saw him last year when the D.C Jammers toured Guyana with his individual skill. He is quicker than Gillis but blunders with over–dribbling.
    Courts Pacesetters and national point guard, Aubrey Smith is one of the workaholics of the team and has added defence to his inventory. His skill is acute and has the advantage to find players when least expected.
    Dyna’s Ravens and national point guard, Darcel Harris is perhaps the most experienced guard around and continues to rate high among upcoming guards. He is quick and has both inside and perimeter skill.
    Courts Pacesetters and national junior guard, Travis Burnett dribbles the ball very low, which makes it difficult for taller defenders to reach. He easily runs past big defenders and favours the inside plays.
    Dyna’s Ravens back–up guard, Yusif Edghill enjoys both ends of the court when Ravens are having a good night. He has some experience that keeps him focused but is still to make an indelible mark on the local scene.
    The Forwards
    Courts Pacesetters and national forward, Royston Siland topples the best at the bottom on the offensive and defensive ‘boards’ but often struggle to convert his obvious outstanding leap into major offensive scoring opportunities.
    Dyna’s Ravens and national forward, Damian Liverpool is aggressive and versatile on the inside. He takes on individual players to his detriment at times but has skill; he needs to consider his senior role in the team more.
    Courts Pacesetters and national forward, Naylon Loncke brings a wealth of experience to the fore with a decent knowledge of the game. He is a strong individual player when his team is under pressure but gets frustrated easily.
    Dyna’s Ravens and national forward, Ryan Gullen is a major presence at the bottom with his strong offensive and defensive approaches. Gullen is a student of the game but lacks much needed patience sometimes.
    Courts Pacesetters’, Clement Brusche is tough at the lower key but lacks the extra finesse needed to get him on the offensive sheets. He is a big ‘rebounder’ but needs to get more involved on the offensive end of the court.
    Dyna’s Ravens and national forward, Seraiah Clarke came through the ranks as a junior now senior player. Though he is not as dominant as he used to be, Clarke’s brain is as good as any in the game locally.
    Analysis
    On paper, Courts Pacesetters and Ravens are equally matched but individually Ravens has more skill. Structurally, Pacesetters can be seen as more sound with national coach Robert Cadogan at the helm of the plays.
    However, the emergence of Ravens’ coach, former Caribbean All Star, Lugard Mohan as a premier coach threatens to overshadow Cadogan. The battle is expected to go beyond what happens on the basketball court.
    Apart from the players identified in this comparison, both teams have a very deep roster of both experience and inexperience players. Definitely the adjustment will be made to give either an advantage tonight.
  • GABA first and third division leagues take recess
  • GYTimes | Saturday, December 20, 2008
    The Georgetown Amateur Basketball Associations ( GABA) Lens Craft first division and Kevin Worrell Memorial third division league that were played simultaneously at the Burnham Basketball Court have been brought to a halt due to unfavourable conditions caused by the weather.
    GABA secretary Robert Cadogan, told the Guyana Times Sport yesterday that although the season had been progressing healthily, they had been forced to put play on hold until next year.
    “ We were very pleased by the attendance of the team and fans alike for the game and it really suggest that basketball is coming back to where it was in Georgetown.
    However with the rain coming a lot these days we had to reschedule play until next year.” Cadogan said.
    The National coach also said that if rain continues to interrupt play when the league resumes next year, GABA will move the tournament indoors at possible the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
    So far, the Ravens Basketball team remains the only undefeated squad in the first division league, while Nets and the defence oriented Pepsi Sonics who had stunned Courts pacesetters early in the league have conceded one loss each.
    In the third division , Pacesetters are undefeated and according to Cadogan who is also their coach, they plan to remain that way when the league resumes.

  • Brown Sugar drops 29 to lead Royals past Bulls 71-48
  • GYTimes | Monday, December 22, 2008
    One of the finest talents at the forward position, Dwayne “Brown Sugar” Roberts, registered 29 points to lead his team Victory Valley Royals past Glands Trucking Service Bulls 71- 48 during the Pioneer Construction/Linden Amateur Basketball Associations double round of the senior basketball league on Saturday night at the Mackenzie Hardcourt.
    The Bulls were able to keep up with the Royals in scoring earlier in the game, and even managed to lead at the halfway point (39-30).
    However, Royal heated up in the third- quarter on both ends, scoring 23 Dwayne Roberts points, while stifling their opponents to just seven points in the penultimate quarter.
    Assisting Roberts in the scoring column was John Webb and Lawrence Dacosta, who managed 13 points apiece, while Anson Durant also squeezed into the double with 11.
    For the Bulls, Mark Rose registered a teamhigh 16 points, while Kurleigh Austin, the only other Bulls player to reach double digits, added 13.
    In the other game that night, the Wismar Pistons overcame the New Ballers 57-49.
    Neville Grenville drained four three-point daggers as part of his game-high, 20-point performance, while Bryon Pearson added 13 and Trevor Profitt chipped in with 11.
    Pistons eased to victory although the sixth man in the six-man rotation, Styron Obermuller, suffered an injury in the form of a gash under his right eye for which he had to be taken to the hospital for treatment.
    Meanwhile, Errol Dryden was the only New Ballers player to hit double figures, as he ended with ten points.
  • Royals, Pistons win for second time in LABA tourney
  • By Joe Chapman | Tuesday, December 23 2008
    CENTRE Dwayne 'Brown Sugar' Roberts led the Victory Valley Royals, while guard Nevin Grenville piloted Wismar Pistons as both clubs won for the second straight time when the Pioneer Construction/Linden Amateur Basketball Association’s Senior Club championship continued at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court last Saturday night.
    The Royals were first to chalk up win number two in as many matches, as Roberts was virtually unstoppable in the paint, racking up a game-high 29 points
    The winners had a slim lead at the end of the first quarter 17-15 but were down by a single point at halftime, 29-30, as the Bulls played aggressively and were in with a chance following their earlier loss against Patriots.
    But the Royals took control in the pivotal third quarter and were leading 52-37 and coasted to their eventual 71-48 margin victory.
    Roberts was well supported by Lawrence Da Costa and John Webb with 13 each while Anson Durant contributed 11.
    The best shoots for the Bulls were made by young Mark Rose with 16 points while Kurleigh Austin had 13 and Terrence James six points..
    The second encounter saw the Wismar Pistons come from behind as the Ballers bounced their way to an early lead after the first quarter and at halftime were up by ten points 30-20.
    It was a game which the national champions suited up only six players and were able to tie the scores at 38 at the end of the third quarter. Their captain guard Nevin Grenville with key clutch shots from down-town steered them home as he knocked in four in the second half as the Pistons outplayed the Ballers in the final stretch and came away with a 57-49 win.
    Grenville had 20 points in the game while Byron Pearson added 13 and Trevor Profit 11 while for the Ballers Errol Dryden had 10 points and Rondell Grant eight.
    The clubs in the tournament are Wismar Pistons, Patriots, Victory Valley Royals, Amelia’s Ward Jets, New Ballers, Glands Trucking Service Bulls, Alleyene’s Retrieve Earlier in this first round Pistons beat Raiders 71-51, Royals won against Ballers 77-56 and Patriots gained a 65-54 win over the GTS Bulls.
  • Play continues tonight with two matches
  • December 20, 2008 | By knews
    Competition in the Pioneer Construction sponsored Linden Amateur Basketball Association senior league championship will resume today with a double header at the Mackenzie Hardcourt. Play was originally set to resume last evening but had to be further rescheduled due to football.
    In first round results: Pistons beat Raiders 71-51; Royals beat Ballers 77-56 and Patriots beat Bulls 65-54.
    Today’s fixtures will see Bulls tackling Jets at 6:30pm and Pistons versus Ballers from 8:30pm.
    Competition is set to continue tomorrow with another double header. At 6:30pm, Raiders come up against Bulls, while Jets oppose Ballers at 8:30pm.

  • Pioneer Constructions/LABA Senior Club Championship: Royals and Pistons in winners’ row
  • By Rawle Toney | December 22, 2008
    The victory Valley Royals and the Wismar Pistons were winners on Saturday last when the Pioneer Constructions/Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) senior club championship at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Hardcourt.
    Led by a game-high 29 points by Dwayne “Brown Sugar” Roberts, the Royals thrashed the Glans Trucking Service (GTS) Bulls 71-48. The game was evenly match throughout as the two teams traded baskets but the Bulls held a slim (30-29) points lead at half time.
    In the second period, things changed as the Royals, known for their physical style of play upped the tempo with Roberts leading the way. Lawrence De Costa and John Webb each netted 13 points while point-guard Anson Durant chipped in with 11.
    Mark Rose with 16 and Kurleigh Austin with 13 points were the primary scorers for the GTS Bulls.
    In the other game of the night, the Wismar Pistons easily defeated Amelia’s Ward Ballers 57-49. The national club champions, Pistons, led in every quarter of the game but the Ballers gave a good account of themselves.
    The Piston’s Neville Grenville led all scorers with 20 points while Byron Person and Trevor Profitt scored 13 and 11 points respectively. For the Ballers, Erol Dryden netted 10 points while Rondel Grant chipped in with eight.
    The tournament continues on Friday with another double header at the MSC hard Court

  • LABA Championships resume this evening with double header
  • By Rawle Toney | December 21, 2008
    Alleyene’s Retrieve Raiders will clash with Glans Trucking Service (GTS) Bulls while the Amelia’s Ward Jets will meet the Ballers when action in the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA), Pioneer construction senior club championship continues this evening at the McKenzie Sports Club (MSC) hard court in Linden.
    Playing in the opening game of the double header, the Raiders, who have been struggling recently, will be looking to pull off a win to boost their team’s confidence.
    Their opponents, GTS Bulls are rated among the top clubs in Linden and they have been making steady strides in the championship so far. Centre Terrence “Platam” James and forward Kurleigh Austin are expected to lead the charge.
    The second game between the Jets and Ballers will have plenty bragging rights since both team are from the same area, Amelia’s Ward, and as such the battle will be to see who is the better team.
    But looking at the match up, the Jets holds a clear advantage having players with more experience on their side and has been finishing among the top three teams in Linden this year.
    National youth player, Akeem Kanhai has been playing a key role for the Jets this year and he is expected to be one of the point men for the jets tonight.
    Kanhai also have a great support cast, with the return of national point guard Kevin “Two Feet” Joseph along with the ever dependable Neil Simon and sharp shooting Dilbert Cesar. The Webster brothers, Alister and Domain will form the regular twin towers at the bottom for the Jets.
    The Ballers coached by the animated Floyd Martindale has never beaten the Jets at the senior level but his club is expected to give a good account of itself.
    Despite not having a big name player on their side, the Ballers are known for putting up a good fight and they also have a reputation of upsetting the bigger clubs in linden.
    The tournament which is being played in a round robin/knocks out format has prize money mounting to over $220,000 in total, along with trophies and retackles.
    Games will be played every Friday, Saturdays and Sunday at the MSC Hard Court

  • By Calvin Roberts | December 16, 2008
    But that maxim could not become a reality for either Dyna Ravens or Courts Pacesetters basketball clubs as the long-anticipated grudge-match between them which was scheduled for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) Saturday night did not bounce off leaving several fans dejected.
    The referees in charge of this game sent the shrill sound of their whistles to signal jump ball at 01:15 hrs, but manager of the CASH, Basheer Khan, halted the game before play could have taken place stating that promoter of the night’s activities Colin Mack had gone past the stipulated time for the use of the venue.
    “Due to the late start of the night’s proceedings and with the main game not being in process, there is no way I can permit such to start at 01:17hrs in the morning. I have already used my judgment and allowed things to go past the stipulated time in the contract as the fashion show was underway.
    “If the game was in progress and the stipulated close off time in the contract was passed, then there is a use of conscience, as fans would want to see the outcome of such. But with a game commencing at this hour, is definitely a no-no,” said Khan.
    Mack, who was disappointed at the sudden end to the night’s activities, told Stabroek Sport that there was an agreement between himself and Khan which was made during the week as the two would have had regular meetings, especially during rehearsals.
    “I’ve had regular meetings with Mr. Khan during the past week, especially at rehearsals. I even took care of his transportation to his home and it was during those meetings that I outlined to him my intentions for the show. For such to come to a sudden halt is totally disappointing and also embarrassing to me.
    “My disappointment has to do with the way I have been treated by Khan, even after those meetings, and to my mind I think he is looking for a financial reward in order for this game to bounce off. But I am not prepared to go to that extreme,” said Mack.
    Mack added: “Having outlined my plans for the night’s activities to Khan during the week I approached him prior to the start of the match and asked him to be lenient and grant me an extra 40 minutes for same to be played. But to my surprise I was summoned to his office by a policeman wherein he told me that he was on the phone with the minister and the game cannot go ahead.
    “Such a statement I was not prepared for, having already paid the Linden female team $50,000 for their victory over their Georgetown counterparts as promised whilst at the same time I was looking forward for this grudge match to bounce off.”
    An aggrieved looking Mack, who has been in the promotional business for a number of years, stated that he had to put his reputation on the line and cancel the game at the request of not only Khan, who he described as being unreasonable after making negotiations, but also the police.
    “With my reputation on the line, I am prepared to stand all the expenses to have this game played as soon as possible and with this in mind I am pleading to the relevant authorities to grant the use of the venue to replay same,” stated Mack.
    Despite not being able to see the grudge match, basketball fans did have the opportunity to see a Linden female lineup edge their Georgetown counterparts 49-48 in overtime, thanks to the efforts of Sonia Rodney who top scored with 22 points for the victors.
    Sheneeza Atwell offered her support with 13 points while Amerie Alphonso and Kean Andrews netted 14 points each for Georgetown as Linden took home the $50,000 winners purse and trophy while in the one-on-one shoot out, Pacesetters Stephon Gillis defeated Ravens Ryan Stepheny.
  • GABA president: ‘I am upset at the way the sport is being treated’
  • BY Calvin Roberts | December 16, 2008
    President of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) Trevor Rose has expressed his disappointment at the way the sport is being treated and has called on the relevant authorities to look into this matter.
    “Never before have I seen the sport of basketball being treated in such a way and I am greatly upset at this now. I am disappointed to say the least and for the police to intervene and stop a game before such has even commenced is definitely an embarrassment to the sport.”
    Rose was referring to the non-commencement of the grudge match between Dyna’s Ravens and Courts Pacesetters at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) Sunday night, as manager of the CASH Basheer Khan prevented the game from being played through the intervention of the police.
    “This facility is being managed by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and I have never heard of the police who are there for the safety of the patrons, preventing a game from commencing. This is questionable, as I have been to basketball games that went later than this, and neither the manager nor the law enforcement officers present has ever stopped same from commencing.”
    “Such an act was an embarrassment to basketball, the players, the fans as well as the promoter who would have invested a lot of money into this promotion. From an executive point of view, I would like to see better being done for the sport of basketball and if we are doing so from our end, then I am calling on the relevant authorities to intervene and do their part,” Rose said.
    He further stated, “The game of basketball should be treated with a level of respect and not in no haphazard way … and this needs to be done as early as possible, not only for the sport, but the development of same.”
    Not only was Rose as well as the promoter of the game Colin Mack angered, but fans of the sport who chose to remain anonymous, echoed their call for the development of the game by the relevant authorities.
    “We have been to the CASH on numerous occasions for the Supligen All Star Weekend, where matches were bouncing off after midnight. The only difference between tonight and then is that this game was starting a bit late, but with the rain pouring cats and dogs outside, it would have been in the best interest of the fans to play the game,” an angry fan said.
    “Games such as this one are not only vital to the promoter but also the clubs and players involved as much bragging rights follow. The hype and publicity behind this game is another thing that should have been taken into consideration. Get it done and over with is the perfect solution.”
  • An Inconvenient Truth: Admin blunders again
  • By Edison Jefford | December 16, 2008
    Our laments are exaggerated, our throats are weary and our voices border on silence in an epoch that the complete collapse of the fundamentals of our sport is imminent no one seems to care what happens these days.
    The rains had cramped a fair–sized crowd of basketball enthusiast into the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall Sunday night for an anticipated Courts Pacesetters and Dyna’s Ravens game, compliments of Accomplished Entertainment.
    Unfortunately, the game never came off owing to time issues that the manager of the only indoor basketball facility in Guyana rose, which became a sad revelation for patrons that had to pay an entrance fee of $1,000.
    There is so much wrong with the administration of local sport that it is sometimes hard to find a critical point of reference. The referral point here is the blatant disregard for paying patrons and proliferation of the sport.
    The last time Pacesetters and Ravens met, the latter exited the game before its completion after citing over–aggression. The importance of the rematch immediately became topical among the sport’s luminaries in Georgetown.
    Enter Accomplished Entertainment with a project that brought the two teams together in an evening of fashion, novelty and basketball. Everything else happened except the game hundreds of people paid their money to see.
    Guyana’s beauties had entertained patrons with posh designs and Sonia Rodney sent the crowd into further frenzy with a crunch time three–point jumper that sent the female Georgetown and Linden game into overtime.
    Rodney nailed a three–pointer to the send a female supporting game against Georgetown into overtime after knotting the scores at 42 points. Linden eventually won 49–48 owing to Rodney’s heroics.
    In short, the stage was set; Pacesetters and Ravens had started their warm-up routines and while there was some murmuring on the ground about the time (it was after 1am), game savvy enthusiasts remained enthused.
    Suddenly without any formal announcement, there was a mad rush toward the exit of the Sports Hall as word of a cancellation crept around. The manager of the facility did not see it fit to properly approach the matter.
    The content of the Accomplished Entertainment’s contract and guidelines for usage of the facility is not known but there are certain fundamental principles that could have vetoed the bad taste that was left in patrons’ mouths.
    The manager was not as proactive as would have expected. It is not in the best interest of both the teams and patrons to wait until the former starts to prepare for a major game then make an inconspicuous announcement.
    This official along with the promoter of the event needed to meet after realising that time would become a factor and decide on the best way forward. But to just send fans home without due satisfaction is unacceptable.
  • Basketball and Fashion: Ravens and Pacesetters to set Sports Hall on fire
  • By Rawle Toney | December 14, 2008
    The Art of War is a Chinese military treatise that was written during the 6th century BC by China’s General Sun Tzu. One of the most famous lines out of the eminent book is “to know your enemy, you must become your enemy.”
    This must be running through the minds of the players from Dyna’s and Courts Pacesetters as they prepare for this evening’s winner- take-all grudge match at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
    Both teams said that it would be a night to remember since the game will also mark the return of competitive action to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall after the Georgetown Amateur Basket-ball Association (GABA) decided to play their matches outdoors at the Burnham Basketball Court.
    So far in the GABA season, Ravens are undefeated while Pacesetters have lost one game in the league. Despite this, the two sides have not met this season and tonight should set a pace for the continuation of the GABA league next year.
    Both sides have players as well as coaches of high calibre.
    Having played together on Guyana’s national team, Pacesetters coach Bobby Codogan and Ravens coach Lugard Mohan will take up the pen and drawing board role for their respective teams.
    Pacesetters will rely heavily on their top three players; the sharp shooting Stephan Gillis, high flyer Royston Siland and Naylon Lonck to lead the team forward.
    One player from the Pacesetters side who will not be left out of the action is point guard Travis Burnett since he can be explosive with his short cross over and snapping jump shots.
    But Ravens have proven themselves to be a force to reckon with in local basketball since they are one of the more physical teams around the country at present.
    National point guard Darcell Harris despite being diminutive in stature can upstage his opponents as well and has been rated among the top flight guards in the country.
    His backup, Ryan Stephaney with his stylish and deadly dribble skills should be a lethal combination in the back court for the Dyna’s Embroidery sponsored side.
    And if one think Ravens are all about offence, there is sadistic Damien Liverpool who is always hungry for the ball off the board along with Ryan Gullen who is also an offensive threat once he gets going.
    The Ravens/Pacesetters basketball battle will also be played off the court between the coaches since both Mohan and Codogan are very sound tactically.
  • More fashion than basketball
  • By Kiev Chesney | December 14, 2008
    Sunday nights eagerly anticipated winner-take-all $100,000 basketball game between two of Georgetowns best teams, Dynas Ravens and Courts Pacesetters, was postponed because of a late start by organizers, which caused the event at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall to be discontinued at about 01: 30h on Monday.
    A never before attempted combination of beauty and basketball was scheduled to commence at 18: 30h, and patrons were promised a glamorous fashion show, a match- up between the Georgetown (GT) and Linden female teams, and 20/20 shootout followed, by the $ 100,000 showdown between Ravens and Pacesetters.
    However, the diehard basketball fans were sent home after barely consuming their appetizers, since the event began minutes after 22: 00h, and was abruptly ended by authorities before fans could have been treated to the main course.
    Organizers have not yet announced the new date for the game or their plans to reimburse disgruntled spectators, who paid for a full night of action on the hardwood, but were instead treated to more fashion than basketball.
    After the contestants for the Accomplished Entertainment fashion show had strutted their stuff on the provisional catwalk, a fiercer species of young ladies took the court to exhibit their skills in a more technical way.
    Instead of the Georgetown versus Linden match-up that was promised, two mixed compilations squared off and produced an overtime thriller, which was won by the squad predominantly populated by Lindener's 49-48.
    The Georgetown compilation seemed to have it all wrapped up with less than three minutes to go and an eight- point lead, but their careless offensive execution could not match the heroics of their opponents in the dying stages.
    The Linden compilation went into overdrive, and with less than 20 seconds remaining in overtime and GT leading 42-39, Sonia Rodney drilled a three pointer, which eventually sent the game into overtime after Kean Andrews failed to convert both of her free- throws on the ensuing possession.
    Rodney hit three, three pointers on the night to cap off a sensational 22-point performance, to lead all scorers, while teammate Shaniza Atwell added 13 points.
    Meanwhile, Andrews led the GT compilation in scoring 14 points.
    In the male 20/20 shootout, reigning Supligen All-star three-point shootout champion, Stephon Gillis of Pacesetters, managed to marginally defeat Ravens national point-guard, Ryan Stephney.
  • Basketball and Fashion Show: Pacesetters will defeat Ravens – Bobby Cadogan
  • By Rawle Toney | December 13, 2008
    “It’s no doubt that we will come out victorious on Sunday,” says Bobby Cadogan, coach of the Courts Pacesetters team, as they prepare to take on their nemesis Dyna’s Ravens in a winner-take- all grudge match this Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
    The last time the two sides met, the game wasn’t concluded but this time around the national player turn coach is resolute in stating that his charges will make sure they come out victorious.
    “It’s never questionable whenever these two teams meet that a big showdown is expected. Both teams are working hard this year and all the respective players are presently active in the Georgetown Amateur Basketball League (GABA). I still feel that we will pull off a victory,” said the Pacesetters coach.
    In the GABA league, Ravens remain undefeated as compared to Pacesetters who have lost one game so far this season, but this must not be taken into consideration, says Cadogan.
    “The two sides have not played so far in the present GABA first division league which will make things more interesting and we see it as a motivation factor since they are undefeated. It means that they will be coming out harder than normal to maintain their unbeaten run, as such we are looking to end their run so it’s going to be a good show,” Cadogan declared.
    Whoever wins the feature event of the night will have $100,000 and a trophy. And prior to the game, there will be the Miss Accomplished Entertainment Fashion show and a Linden/Georgetown female match.
    Also for the first time, there will be a 20/20 basketball competition. This will be played by two person at opposite ends of the court and the first to reach 20 points by scoring six three points and a two points will be declared the winner. That lucky player will take home a trophy and a gift voucher.
    The inaugural event is being sponsored by the Accomplished Entertainment Group, and their idea is to bring the best of both worlds to the Guyanese public.
  • Profiles of Dyna’s Ravens key players
  • By Edison Jefford | December 12, 2008
    Dyna’s Ravens enter tomorrow’s feature game against Courts Pacesetters with a known psychological advantage and will aim to build on that reputation in the Accomplished Entertainment Basketball and Fashion Show event.
    Kaieteur Sport presents profiles and brief synopsises of some of the important players in the team ahead of the yearend showdown. The last time Ravens and Pacesetters met, the former left the court in an untimely manner.
    Lugard Mohan
    Dyna’s Ravens Head Coach
    Senior Male All-star Coach, 2008
    Former Caribbean Basketball Confederation All-star
    Former National Basketball Captain National Player    		 Darcel Harris
    Dyna’s Ravens
    Age: 29 years old
    Position: Guard
    Achievements: National Junior and Senior Guard and multiple All–star Guard
    Synopsis: Harris is perhaps one of the most experienced guards around and continues to rate high among the upcoming stars in the position. He is quick and possesses both inside and outside skill. He takes the game personally.
    Damian Liverpool
    Dyna’s Ravens
    Age: 30 years old
    Position: Forward
    Achievements: National Senior and All–star Forward
    Synopsis: Liverpool is aggressive and enjoys showing off his range of inside abilities. He takes on individual players to his detriment at times but has the skill and needs to consider his senior role in the team more.    		 Seraiah Clarke
    Dyna’s Ravens
    Age: 26 years old
    Position: Forward
    Achievements: National Junior and Senior Forward
    Synopsis: Clarke is one of those students of the game. He knows how to play and when to respect his
    disadvantages. Though not as dominant as he used to be, Clarke’s brain is as good as any in the game locally.
    Ryan Stephney
    Dyna’s Ravens
    Age: 22 years old
    Position: Guard
    Achievements: National Junior and Senior Guard
    Synopsis: Stephney impressed all who saw him last year when the D.C Jammers toured Guyana with his individual skill. He sometimes over–dribbles the ball but has the ability to become Guyana’s next lead guard.    		 Ryan Gullen
    Dyna’s Ravens
    Age: 22 years old
    Position: Forward
    Achievements: National Junior and Senior Forward
    Synopsis: A major presence at the bottom with his strong offensive and defensive approaches, Gullen is another student of the game. He literally lives basketball but lacks much needed patience sometimes.
    Biniam Norton
    Dyna’s Ravens
    Age: 20 years old
    Position: Guard
    Achievements: National Junior and All–star Guard
    Synopsis: Norton is still perfecting his trade but shows definite inclination toward the big league with his obvious ball control and skill. His pintsized height is often a factor in Division I games but hopefully he gets a nod.    		 Yusif Edghill
    Dyna’s Ravens
    Age: 29 years old
    Position: Guard
    Achievements: A firm senior player of Ravens
    Synopsis: On good nights when Ravens’ offence is well placed, Edghill enjoys both ends of the court. He has the experience that keeps him focused on the court but is still looking to make an indelible mark on the local scene.


  • Profiles of Courts Pacesetters’ lead players
  • By Edison Jefford | December 14, 2008
    Courts Pacesetters will have to have major individual performances from its top five and role players tomorrow in the Accomplished Entertainment Basketball and Fashion Show event if they are to overcome Dyna’s Ravens.
    Kaieteur Sport presents profiles and brief synopsises of some of those players ahead of the team’s major showdown before the year ends. The last time Ravens met Pacesetters, the game ended abruptly owing to tension.

    Robert ‘Bobby’ Cadogan
    Courts Pacesetters’ Head Coach
    Former National Basketball Coach
    Former Supligen All–star Coach
    Former National Basketball Captain
    National Player, 1985–1998    		 Stephon Gillis
    Courts Pacesetters
    Age: 28 years old
    Position: Shooting Guard
    Achievements: National and All–star Senior Shooting Guard and Consecutive Senior Three–Point Shooting Champion 2007–2008.
    Synopsis: Gillis is an extremely skilful and mature player outside the three–point perimeter. He overshoots the ball on bad nights but can be devastating once he discovers his rhythm. He is known to be mentally insecure.
    Royston Siland
    Courts Pacesetters
    Age: 29 years old
    Position: Forward
    Achievements: National and All–star Senior Forward.
    Synopsis: Siland topples the best at the bottom on the offensive and defensive rebounding ends but struggles to convert his obvious outstanding leap into major offensive scoring opportunities. His offensive aggression needs improvement.    		 Naylon Loncke
    Courts Pacesetters
    Age: 29 years old
    Position: Forward
    Achievements: National Junior Shooting Guard, National Senior and All–star Forward.
    Synopsis: Loncke brings a wealth of experience to the fore with a decent knowledge of the game. He tends to play individually when his team is under pressure and gets frustrated easily. He needs to control his temperament.
    Clement Brusche
    Courts Pacesetters
    Age: 30 years old
    Position: Forward
    Achievements: Regular starter for Courts Pacesetters
    Synopsis: Brusche is tough at the bottom but sometimes lack the extra finesse needed to get him on the offensive sheets. He is a big ‘rebounder’ but needs to get more involved on the offensive end of the court for his team.    		 Travis Burnett
    Courts Pacesetters
    Age: 20 years old
    Position: Guard
    Achievements: National Junior Most Valuable Player, Inter–Guiana Games MVP and Junior All–star Guard.
    Synopsis: Burnett dribbles the ball very low, which makes it difficult for taller defenders to reach–he runs past them and favours the inside plays. He is weak from 15 feet and beyond thus work is needed on his jump shot.
    Aubrey Smith
    Courts Pacesetters
    Age: 25 years old
    Position: Guard
    Achievements: National Junior and three–time All–star Player.
    Synopsis: Smith is one of the workaholics of the team and has added the defensive aspect of the game to his inventory. His skill is acute and has the advantage to find players when least expected. His concentration needs improvement.    		 Hugh Arthur
    Courts Pacesetters
    Age: 24 years old
    Position: Guard
    Achievements: Next Level Entertainment and Brusche’s Classic Starter for the team
    Synopsis: Arthur is touted as a future star guard for Pacesetters because of his ‘level head’ and generally good ball control. He likes to take on the opposition individually but is very unselfish with ball distribution. He is a good starter.


  • Ravens predict conventional win
  • December 11, 2008 | By Edison Jefford
    Perhaps the only hindrance that keeps Courts Pacesetters from undoubtedly claiming the number one club status in Georgetown, Dyna’s Ravens are adamant that their success ratio against them will prevail on Sunday.
    Ravens are expected to challenge Pacesetters at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in the inaugural Accomplished Entertainment Basketball and Miss Accomplished Fashion Show that is scheduled to begin at 7pm.
    Despite the inclement weather, which has affected Ravens’ practice, Head Coach Lugard Mohan told Kaieteur Sport yesterday that Ravens have a special game balm that always soothe Pacesetters into defeat.
    “My confidence against Pacesetters is like 75 percent to 25. Some teams just have a feel for others and I believe we have that feel for Pacesetters,” Mohan said, adding that his players will perform despite practice woes.
    The top Georgetown team was forced to use an outdoor court in Campbellville after they were relocated from the indoor Sports Hall for Carifesta. The outdoor practice levels the playing field between them and Pacesetters.
    “Weather is keeping us back and its Christmas so lots of the guys are busy; we are not getting the turnout at practice but I have the confidence that the guys will come prepared to play on Sunday,” Mohan stated
    According to Mohan, the lack of practice has not affected the team’s chemistry, which is one of the elements they will depend on in Sunday’s game. He said chemistry has Ravens unbeaten in the current Georgetown League.
    The winner of the feature male game will collect $100,000 and a trophy while a Linden combined female team is expected to take on a Georgetown compilation for a $50,000 purse in a supporting encounter.
    In addition, the winner of the newly introduced 20/20 competition gets a trophy and a gift voucher. This is in an individual event between three players and the winner must score six three–pointers and two points to win.
  • Beauties meet the beasts: Basketball and beauty competitions billed for Cliff Anderson Sports Hall
  • By Rawle Toney | December 11, 2008
    For the first time ever two events in stark contrast will be on show at the same time at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
    On Sunday two of the country’s top basketball clubs will go head-to-head ,and at the same time some of the country’s most attractive young ladies will be strutting in a beauty pageant.
    The events are being held under the banner of Accomplished Entertainment, a group who said that the idea was to have the best of both worlds while bringing something new to the entertainment arena.
    Dyna’s Ravens and Courts Pacesetters share a rich history of fierce rivalry and unfinished business. The last time the two sides met, the game was not completed after Ravens walked off the court. The event was a fundraiser to help Guyana’s female basketball team attend a tournament in Antigua last year.
    But things are expected to be even more intense this time since $100,000 and a trophy will be at stake for the winner.
    There will also be a Linden versus Georgetown female match, and a winner-take-all game, with $50,000 and a trophy at stake. And, for the first time, as strange as it sounds, the organisers will be introducing 20/20 basketball.
    According to the organisers, games will be played using only two players with each being at opposite ends of the court at the three point line. The first player to reach 20 points will be declared the winner.
    Players will be allowed to score one two-point basket with the remaining points coming from the three-point range.
    Therefore, the players will have to score six, three-point baskets and a two-point to reach 20.
    Meanwhile in the showdown of the models, the young ladies will battle to see who will be crowned Miss Accomplished Entertainment 2008.
    This, the promotional group says, is all in keeping with their mandate to bring new and innovative activities to the sporting public.
    Patrons attending the event will also be given a chance to win a free ticket to Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival next year from a special door prize, compliments of Muneshwers Travel Agency.
    Meanwhile, some 100 tickets for the Unification Concert next year at the National Park will also be given away.
    The gate will be open from 6:00pm with the Georgetown/Linden female game bouncing off the evening’s proceedings.
    Immediately after that game spectators will see the models strutting their stuff, followed by the male and female 20/20 shootout. The grand finale will be the grudge match between Dyna’s Ravens and Courts Pacesetters.
  • GIVING BACK!!!
  • GyTimes | December 11, 2008
    Former treasurer of the Linden Amateur Basketball Association ( LABA), Vanzil Jarvis, has donated three NBA- brand basketballs to his former club, Alleynes Retrieve Raiders.
    Jarvis the proprietor of I-Market Depot, presented the balls to Andrew Persaud, coach of Alleyne Retrieve Raiders.
  • Courts Pacesetters to gauge preparations
  • December 10, 2008 | By Edison Jefford
    One of Georgetown’s premier first division clubs, Courts Pacesetters have vowed to step up preparations ahead of Sunday’s intriguing clash with Dyna’s Ravens compliments of Accomplished Entertainment’s Fashion Show.
    The showdown between Georgetown’s top two teams will headline a packed evening of events that include a Miss Accomplished Fashion display at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall that is expected to commence at 7pm.
    Pacesetters’ Head Coach and former national coach, Robert ‘Bobby’ Cadogan wants his important individual players to register impressive performances ahead of the game as that will have to get them past rivals Ravens.
    “Rain is currently hampering our scheduled practice. That means that the guys will have to up their individual performances and we will get through,” Cadogan told Kaieteur Sport after visiting Burnham Court yesterday.
    The coach is relying on the exposure of the team in the ongoing Georgetown Basketball League for enough groundwork. Ravens are currently undefeated in the League while Pacesetters have lost one game.
    “Ravens have always been our rivals. These two teams (Ravens and Pacesetters) always manage to bring out the best in each other,” Cadogan observed, adding that the contest between them is more mental than physical.
    The winner of the feature male game will collect $100,000 and a trophy while a Linden combined female team is expected to take on a Georgetown compilation for a $50,000 purse in a supporting encounter.
    In addition, the winner of the newly introduced 20/20 competition gets a trophy and a gift voucher. This is in an individual event between three players and the winner must score six three–pointers and two two-points to win.

  • Fashion and basketball set for Sports Hall: Pacesetters, Ravens clash to headline show
  • December 9, 2008 | By Edison Jefford
         Fashion and sport enthusiast are expected to converge at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Sunday when Accomplished Entertainment stages its Miss Accomplished Fashion Show and 20/20 Basketball Competition.
    The event is expected to renew a long standing rivalry between Georgetown’s best first division teams: Courts Pacesetters and Dyna’s Ravens, while treating patrons to a dazzling female fashion display.
    The concept also includes a Linden versus Georgetown female game and 20/20 contest, which will be introduced for the first time. The first person to score 20 points in this competition gets a trophy and a voucher.
    The winner of the feature male game will collect $100,000 and trophy while the females get $50,000 and trophy in winner–takes–all games. The night’s activities are expected to commence at 7pm at the premier venue.
    “We never had this concept before. We just wanted to try something different,” an Executive of Accomplished Entertainment told Kaieteur Sport yesterday, adding that the event is expected to be an annual fixture.
    The official said that prizes will be given out in the fashion display for the best smile, the best personality, the best display, best sports wear and miss photogenic among other prizes in various categories.
    The event will also feature a guest model, well stocked bars, tight security arrangements and three sound systems in the likes of Slingerz, Fusion Audio and Stereo Sonic.
  • Basketball competition and 20/20 shootout on this weekend
  • BY KIEV CHESNEY | December 9, 2008
     The Accomplished Entertainment group will be staging the first- ever fashion show/sporting event collaboration this Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, with the Miss Accomplished fashion show, 20/20 shoot out and basketball competition.
    The organizers told Guyana Times Sport that the concept of combining a glamorous event, such as a fashion show and a basketball competition, should attract a wider audience, since this concept has never been tried before.
    Sundays event is scheduled to commence at 18: 00h with the Miss Accomplished delegates strutting their stuff and vying for miss congeniality, best smile, best out-fit, best sportswear, sexy wear, Miss Photogenic and Most Punctual.
    After being enticed and entertained by the stunning ladies, promoters promise an enjoyable evening of competitive and thrilling on- court action, beginning with a female match-up between the Georgetown lady basketballers and their Linden counterparts.
    Then, in the feature game of the evening, Georgetown's top team, the Dyna's Ravens, will oppose the Courts Pacesetters.
    The game will be played with normal rules and regulations, but according to the promoters, the 20/20 basketball twist will be
    introduced for the first time at halftime.
    This will entail one specialist shooter from each team being chosen to go up against each other in a head- to- head shootout mostly from behind the arch.
    The respective players will shoot simultaneously on different sides of the court, and try to be the first to score six three-pointers and a two-pointer from anywhere on the court, thus scoring 20 points.
    The player who reached 20 points first will be awarded a trophy for his effort, while the winner of the male game will take home $ 100,000, and the winning women's team will take home $ 50,000.
    In the keen Ravens versus Pacesetter match-up, which has been a rivalry for so long, will intensify during the game and at half time in the 20/20 shootout as both teams are known for their lethal marksmen behind the arch.
    Ravens club captain Darcel Harris has developed a reputation for being able to hit jumpers from miles behind the arch and he is just one of the lethal long distance shooters on the Ravens squad.
    Ravens also boast of 6 3 small forward Kevin Laurence, as well as the newly acquired, Marlon Chesney, and Marlon Rodrigues.
    However, Pacesetters will hope to combat those weapons with perennial threat from beyond the arch: Stephon Gillis, who has earned the reputation by capturing many titles as local three-point champion.
    Music will be provided by Fusion, Stereo Sonics and Slinger Family sound systems, and organizers promise a secure and controlled environment.
  • GABA Christmas Season Update: Division I and III Leagues enter fourth round













  • GABA Christmas Season Update: Division I and III Leagues enter fourth round
  • By knews | December 4, 2008
    The Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) Division I League and Kevin Worrel Lens Craft Division III League Championships have entered the fourth round of competition ahead of next weekend’s break. General Secretary of GABA, Robert Cadogan yesterday updated Kaieteur Sport as to the status of both Leagues, informing that they have entered the fourth round on schedule in wake of a lull for the Christmas Holidays. “There are seven teams in the third division League and eight teams in the first division League, which means that the Division III League has six rounds and the Division I League seven rounds,” Cadogan explained. According to Cadogan, Ravens is the only unbeaten club in the Division I League while Courts Pacesetters are undefeated at the Division III level. Both Leagues are staged in tandem at the Burnham Basketball Court.
    Cadogan said that there was a disciplinary issue that resulted in the suspension of two players while three others were placed on probation. He said that the move highlights the association’s strong position on discipline. “We are beginning to see improvement of teams and players because basketball is being played. We don’t want to spoil what’s happening so we try to maintain strong discipline,” the GABA General Secretary noted. The Basketball Retreat in October and the two League competitions are the first babies of the new GABA Executive that Trevor Rose heads. The body had embarked on a mission to take back basketball to the Burnham court.
    The task was immediately met with challenges such as poor lighting at the facility, which forced the GABA into its depleted pockets while the issue of sponsorship remains an issue for the Division I competition. After the break next weekend, the competition will continue in January with the top three teams in the Division I contest scheduled to get cash incentives (and trophies) and leading Division III teams trophies alone.
  • Jacobs considers termination of ABIIT scholarship: says offer did not live up to expectations
  • December 2, 2008 | By Edison Jefford
    After years of sacrifice and then months of careful contemplation on whether to accept an Antigua and Barbuda International Institute of Technology (ABIIT) scholarship, Nichola Jacobs is now considering scrapping the arrangement.
    The top local female basketball player told Kaieteur Sport yesterday that the offer did not live up to her expectations and many of the tenets of the contract have remained on the oral level since she arrived there in September.
    “The people that gave me the scholarship have not checked on me. I applied to places for work but they say I am here as a student so I can’t get work permit when that was part of the arrangement at first,” Jacobs said.
    After touring the island with a national women’s select team in January this year, Jacobs was offered a scholarship to pursue studies in Business Administration after her dominant performance in the tournament.
    She did not immediately showed interest in the erudition offer but consistent thought over a period of months compelled the athlete to yield and migration moves began in August, which culminated with a benefit game.
    The decision to take up the offer seemed best at the time but now Jacobs is bordering on labelling the choice a mistake. As a result, she told this newspaper that she could be back in Guyana as early as January next year.
    “I am thinking about coming home in January because I don’t think I can manage school and help out [financially] in the home where I am staying without a job,” she said, adding that she has not gotten the promised support.
    Continuing from her residence in Antigua, Jacobs made it clear that it is very hard on her at the moment because of her work situation. She also blamed the Guyana consulate in Antigua for not fulfilling earlier promises.
    “They were some people here that promised to help out like the Guyana consulate but I arrive they did not give me anything. It’s not easy, I will terminate it [the scholarship],” the national stalwart reiterated.
    She said that she have to purchase books that cost almost EC$2000 (averagely $150,000 in Guyana dollars) per subject every semester and still has to buy food; her inability to work has placed her in an awkward situation.
    According to Jacobs, only three months’ stay on the island was issued to her upon arrival, which she claims to be renewable upon expiration. She said that was strange for someone scheduled to spend two years on scholarship.
    As it relates to the playing of the sport, the athlete informed that she has played only two games for a club that eventually got knocked out of the competition. She said that the sport is just as inactive as in Guyana.
  • Ravens shut down Colts 95-80: GABA/Lens Craft First Division basketball league on Burnham Court
  • By Kiev Chesney - 11/29/08
    The Dyna's Ravens basketball club shutdown the Bounty Farm Colts, and simultaneously flourished on the offensive end in the fourth quarter to storm to a 95-80 win in the Guyana Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) Lens Craft, first division league on Thursday night at the Burnham Basketball Court.
    Ravens have now advanced to a perfect 3-0 in the win-loss column of the league, where they share the number one spot with the also perfect, Pepsi Sonic.
    The Ravens got off to a flyer, taking an early lead in the seemingly inexhaustible first quarter which was lengthened by many infractions.
    Colts, who could have been considered the hometeam since they practise at the Burnham Court, could not find the whole from long distance and guard Triston Lake hoisted four unsuccessful three-point attempts in the first quarter alone.
    Meanwhile, newest acquisition to the Ravens first division side Marlon Chesney, exhibited his expertise to cement his starting role ahead of Ryan Stephney, who was reportedly benched for indiscipline.
    Chesney's dazzling and captivating ball handling skills fulfilled by accurate finishes wooed the crowd, which seemed to occur every time he touched the ball.
    He led the team with 16 points, while four other play ers broke into double figures, namely Soriah Clarke 14, Darcel Harris 13, Kevin Lawrence 11 and Yussuf Edghill 10. Forwards Dane Kendall, who registered 15 points, and Gavin Beeram 11, helped the colts punish the Ravens in the low post and draw even at 51 at halftime and remained tied at 71 apiece at the end of the third quarter.
    However with local giant, Vivian Alder who swatted nearly everything Ravens’ players put up in the first half, on the bench, the Ravens guards punched the lane and had their way on offence.
    Alder also managed to take Ravens forward Ryan Gullen out of the game early with four fouls, while putting Kevin Evans, who was recently debarred from third division competition, in similar waters.
    The separation in this closely contested game came in the fourth quarter when some the older players which they relied on earlier in the game got tired.
    Ravens’ coach Lugard Mohan, obviously noticed the signs of fatigue as Colts players were panting heavily and walking back on defence and went with a small lineup in the fourth.
    Harris orchestrated the fourth quarter slaughter on the offensive end along with Chesney and Edghill, while Evans and Lawrence banged their bodies to come up with key stops at crunch time. This combination limited the Colts production to just three points after 7:13s had elapsed in the ten-minute final quarter.
    After absorbing their second loss, colts are now 1- 2 and are fifth in the league standing with 2 points. Panthers, Maccabees and Scorpions are still winless while Nets and Pacesetters are tied with 4 points.
    Meanwhile, in the Kevin Worrell Memorial/Lens Craft third division league, the Courts Pacesetters withstood the comeback attempts of the Maccabees to win 78-63.
    Starting point guard for the night Dellon Daniels dished out many assists and ended with 12 points while forward Dwayne Thornhill, added 15 points. Keon Hayles provided much energy off the bench and added 10 points along with much of his awesome, defensive pressure, which force many turnovers. Marvin Wray led the Maccabees with 15 points while the other forward Michael Thompson added 13. The Maccabees guards had a relatively docile night in scoring except Tesrick Rambissoon who scored 11.
    Pacesetters showed much depth in their roster and could have afforded to rest some of their key players to advance to 3-0 in the third division league standings with 6 points, ahead of Pepsi Sonics 4pts and Bounty Colts 4pts. Demerara Panthers, Ravens and Maccabees are all tied on 2 points while the winless Scorpions remain scoreless in the point standings. Games continue this weekend at the same venue.
  • LABA calls emergency meetings with affiliated clubs
  • BY SNews | November 29, 2008
    The Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) will hold an emergency meeting with affiliated club members tomorrow at the Mackenzie Sports Club.
    According to LABA secretary, Joe Chapman, the meeting which will start at 2pm, is to deal with the recent setback of the present senior club championship.
    LABA and local beverage giants Banks DIH Limited clashed a few weeks ago after the beverage company denied confirming sponsoring the present senior league contrary to LABA president Uburn Smith’s contention.
    Clubs are asked to send four representatives to the meeting preferably the president, secretary and coach along with any other member.
    LABA has also disclosed that this weekend’s matches have been postponed.
  • Patriots, Royals record latest LABA Championship triumphs
  • November 17, 2008 | By knews
    Play in the Linden Amateur Basketball Association’s Senior Club basketball championship continued at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court on Saturday night with wins for Patriots and Victory Valley Royals.
    Patriots beat Glands Trucking Service Bulls 65-54, while Victory Valley Royals won against New Ballers 77-56.
    The Patriots led (18-11) (35-27) (55-31), (65-54) in the respective quarters. Neil Marks 23 points, Julius Carter 19 and Trevor added 15 for Patriots. For Bulls- Mark Rose scored a game high 28 points and Ruel McKinnon supported with 7.
    Royals defeated New Ballers 77-56. Royals were propelled to victory through Dwayne Roberts with 24 points, Orlando Glasgow 16 and Anson Durant 15, while for the losing Ballers- Eon Reddock 16 had points, Ivor Blair 14 and Rondell Grant 13.

  • Inter Guiana games second leg: Akeem Kanhai is the man
  • By Rawle Toney - November 24th, 2008
    At just 17-years-old, Akeem Kanhai faces the biggest challenge of his young basketball career when the second leg of this year’s inter Guiana Games bounces off in French Guiana on November 28.
    Guyana’s male team are the defending champions but this year, only eight players will form the team for the championships after a decision was taken by the officials not to name any replacements for two injured members of the team.
    Original team captain and center Jermain Slater underwent surgery for appendicitis while the team’s other center Keno George is out with a back injury.
    As such, the crafty Kanhai is now being earmarked to lead the team in French Guiana.
    The player has earned a reputation of being among the better young players in the country by displaying an all round game which usually dazzles.
    Kanhai, a sixth from student (Upper Sixth) at the Mackenzie High School in Linden has said that even though the task ahead will be difficult, he was more than ready to lead his country to a second consecutive Inter Guiana Games basketball title.
    “I think it’s a real big task because eight players cannot play a basketball game. As it relates to me having the weight of taking my country to championship honors, I think I’m up to the challenge and I think I can do it.
    “Representing my country always makes me feel really gifted and happy, because I had to work hard to reach here,” Kanhai said during an interview with Stabroek Sport on Saturday.
    He stated that the two players George and Slater would be greatly missed since they are the only persons who play the center position on the team.
    He sees himself having to pick up the slack on the defensive end and having to help out with the rebounding.
    “It’s hard because I have to play at both ends of the floor, so I will certainly miss Jermain and Keno. But I think we can still do it. I’m kind of used to playing with short players, because at my club, the Amelia’s Ward Jets, I would normally take up the task of leading them as well, so I’m used to it. But the only thing is, this is leading my country which is a bigger task. But I feel I have the ability even though I can’t do it alone, but I’m up for it.”
    Chris Bowman, assistant coach of the male side, was adamant that Kanhai would have to lead the charges in French Guiana.
    He said that with the two players out, Kanhai will have to step up and go the extra mile along with point guard Orin Rose jnr., both of whom have been excelling over the past year-and-a-half amongst the senior players in the sport.
    But the pressure of being the main offensive threat and having to play ‘D’ as well as leading the side is according to Abdullah Hamid… “Like burning candles on both ends.”
    “Yes I feel Kanhai will certainly have to step up since the two centers are out, but it would not be fair on the player who is more known for his offensive explosions to play at both ends at the court and have to play almost the entire game, it’s only so much he can do,” said Hamid who along with Mark Agard will coach the female squad.
    Hamid said that it was poor planning by the organisers which has placed Guyana in this situation.
    “They made a big mistake in selecting the players for the basketball team a month ago and did not cater for situation like these. Here it is you have two players out and we are only going to the games with eight players which should not be if we are serious of retaining the championships.”
    Guyana will open their campaign next Friday against the host country, and according to Slater, the eight-member basketball team is more than ready to retain their title.
    “I believe in Kanhai, he will have to do it. I also think that Orin Rose will also have to do some extra work, but Kanhai is the man,” said the injured Slater.
    The Inter Guiana games will see three countries; Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname competing in cycling, volleyball and basketball. The team will depart for the French colony on Wednesday.
  • Male Basketball teams title defence chances diminishing
  • BY KIEV CHESNEY - November 24th, 2008
    Guyana are the reigning Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) men's basketball champions, but after two of their key players have sustained injuries at the last minute, their chances of defending their title, which they emphatically captured on home soil last year, are quickly dwindling like a candle in the wind.
    The team lost its captain Jermaine Slater, who had to undergo surgery for appendicitis last week, and now, the lone remaining forward, Keno George, has reportedly fractured his spine.
    Some three days after Slater was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), George fractured his spinal cord during one of his practice sessions with the Dynas Ravens Basketball club at the Pike Street basketball court.
    George, who is currently in the GPHC, said that while he was playing on
    the Pike Street court, he jumped for a rebound and felt the pain when he landed.
    “ I jumped to get the rebound, me alone, and when I came down I felt this painful feeling in my back, and I went to the side of the court and lay down right away,” Keno said.
    He said that his teammates offered to take him to the hospital and he declined, but when he tried to get up to go home, he could not move and had to be lifted into a vehicle and taken to the hospital.
    “ The doctor told me that they will know if I can walk again by tomorrow, but right now I can sit up and so, but the nurse told me not to get up or anything.
    Judging from the x-rays that I've seen, I don't think I will ever be able to play basketball again,” he said George, a former St.
    Josephs High School student, a relative newcomer to the game, emerged on the scene after making his name as a specialist shot blocker, who displayed superior athleticism on both sides of the court.
    Keno recounted his best moment on the court as his very first competitive match, in which his team, Ravens, defeated Maccabees in the Guyana Amateur Basketball Associations Next Level Entertainment third-division tournament.
    The 6'4" forward said that was his breakout game where he established himself as a legitimate player, after he shut down Maccabees forward Yannick Wade on defensive and then took him to school, scoring double figures on the other end of the court.
    Ravens coach, Lugard Mohan, said George was a key member of his squad and it is unfortunate that he will no longer be able to play. Mohan said Keno was “ the perfect combination of height and agility”. He also described the youngster as talented, always portrays a jovial personality, which is irreplaceable. With the two forwards out, the IGG squad is now basically a team of guards, with the tallest player being 6' 3", starting point guard, Akeem Kanhai. Up to press time last night, Keno was still his jovial, optimistic and hilarious self, as he was comforted by the phone calls of many close friends.
  • Action packed week-end set for Burnham Court
  • By Rawle Toney - Friday, November 21, 2008
    The Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) first division and Lens Craft division leagues will continue this week-end on the Burnham Court with more matches.
    This evening Bounty Colts will face Beepat Scorpions in a third division match.
    The game is expected to be highly competitive since both teams are yet to register a win.
    In first division action, Demerara Panthers will face the unbeaten Pepsi Sonics in a game that should provide some amount of excitement.
    Demerara Panthers will be looking to redeem themselves after losing to the Nets in their last game while the Sonics will be looking to continue their unbeaten run in the tournament.
    The tournament continues tomorrow with Panthers and Sonics meeting once again in the third division.
    Following that game the Beepat Scorpions and Courts Pacesetters will clash in first division action.
    The weekend of basketball at the Burnham Court will wrap up on Sunday, with another double header.
    Maccabees and Courts Pacesetters will start the evening in a third division encounter while the second game will see first division action between Dyna’s Ravens and Bounty Colts.
    Jump ball time is 5pm each day.
  • Nets blow out Panthers 78-58
  • BY KIEV CHESNEY
    The Nets basketball club stamped their authority in the Guyana Amateur Basketball Associations ( GABA), Lens Craft, first/ division basketball league by blowing away the Demerara Panthers 78- 58 on Sunday evening at the Burnham Basketball Court.
    Nets Ian Ferdinand was the main offensive threat as he equalled his teams margin of victory, scoring 20 points of his own.
    Nets forward Drumson McCaulay once again made it to double figures, capping a dominant performance in the low post with 13 points.
    Yannick December topscored for the Demerara Panther with 14 points.
    In the supporting game in the GABA, Kevin Worrell Memorial, third division tournament, the Dynas Ravens conceded a walkover victory to the Maccabees, although players were present at the game.
    When contacted yesterday to ascertain why his team did not play in Sundays game, Dyna Ravens Coach Lugard Mohan said that the management of the team made a conscious decision to forfeit the game since the players had not attended practice sessions.
    “ There were some indiscipline issues that arose, and after consulting management I decided that we would have a team that is not practising, play. We saw that most players said that they could not attend practice, but were turning up for games so we decided that they wouldnt play until this is corrected.” Mohan said that after taking that stand, he has already seen a drastic increase in the turnout of players daily practice sessions.
    Ravens shooting guard, Tyrone Hamid, said that although he is disappointed that the team forfeited Sundays game, he stands by his coach's decision.
    “ I think that it is fair because sometimes only some players come (to) practice and it shouldn't be like that; if we are a team, we should practise together and play together” Play in the GABA, Lens Craft, first- division and Kevin Worrell third- division tournaments will continue this weekend, beginning on Friday night.
  • GABA First Division League: Nets and Ravens victorious over the weekend
  • By Rawle Toney - 11/18/08
    The Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) first division league continued over the weekend at the Burnham Basketball Court with wins for Dyna’s Ravens and Nets. On Saturday, Ravens easily defeated Maccabees 73-63 in a game they completely dominated from jump ball. Every possession was hunted down by Ravens players forcing their opponents to make some easy turnovers which were capitalized on.
    At half time the score was 39-23 in favour of Ravens. Maccabees relied heavily on point guard Hodyah Stewart who ended with 19 points while Joel Gary chipped in with 11. For Ravens, their newly-acquired players, Kevin Evans and Marlon Chesney led the way with 12 and 11 points respectively while Ryan Gullen had eight.
    Meanwhile, on Sunday evening the Nets continued their winning ways after beating Demerara Panthers 88-78 in closely-contested game.
    The Nets, playing without primary scorers Tristan Tulloch and Fabian Johnson who have been suspended by the GABA for indiscipline, were forced to pull out all the stops against a young and energetic Panthers team.
    Nonetheless they produced a complete team effort to remain unbeaten.
    The Panthers played very well in the first half pressuring the Nets players every time they held the ball and scoring easy baskets but the Nets still held a slim lead at the end of the half, 33-31.
    The second period saw an invigorated Nets unit who dug deep into their repertoire, chasing down every loose ball and forcing the Panthers to move away from their initial game plan. Despite some good runs by the Panthers, the Nets stayed focused and held on for the win.
    Troy Ferdinand led all scorers with game-high 20 points while Llewellyn Dow supported with 14.
    For the Panthers, Yannick December had 14 points while Olatunde Griffith and George Easton contributed with 12 and eight points respectively. The tournament along with the Kevin Worrell/Lens Craft third-division league will continue at the same venue.Injured Slater to miss IGG
  • By Guyana Times
    Star centre for the national junior basketball team, Jermaine Slater, will have to sit out of this years Inter Guiana Games at the end of the month after recently undergoing surgery for appendicitis.
    The 6 5 Slater, who also is the captain of the team, had his appendix removed on Sunday evening at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Jermaine Slater  and is now a patient in the recovery unit.
    Since Slater will not be able to jump, or engage in any rigorous activities for the next two months, the team will have to do without him in French Guiana.
    When Guyana Times Sport visited the recovery ward of GPHC yesterday, Slater was his usual upbeat self, but complained of stomach pains. How will the team do without you? “ I know that it is going to be hard because we have a young team and they are really going to have to tighten up on both sides of the court. It is always hard for a team to lose its captain, but I guess Orin Rose, Akeem Kanhai and Travis Stewart will have to take over because they played last year,” Slater said.
    He also said that he hopes 6 4, 140lb forward Keno George will play a more dominant role in the low post, and that utility guard , Tyrone Hamid, is switched to the forward position.
    Speaking to Guyana Times Sport yesterday, coach of the junior national side, Julian Haynes, said, “ It is very unfortunate that we will have to lose Jermaine, which will be yet another setback to the team this year.” Haynes said that apart from being the teams captain, Slater was a key role player in the team contributing both as a scorer and as the teams primary rebounder.
    “ He had an important role to play in terms of rebounding.
    He is a good rebounder defensively and offensively as well as a very effective scorer in the low post,” Haynes added.
    Haynes said that although there is not a player on the team presently that could duplicate what Slater brings to the table, he would adjust his strategy to make the most with the team that he has.
    “ Sometimes in war you have casualties, but you could win by backing out, you just have to persist and do the best that you can,” Haynes added. Slater was one of the few players in this years team, who were on last years roster when Guyana won the male basketball title at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. After complaining of excruciating stomach pains during basketball practice on Sunday, Slater, who resides in Eccles, was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he was diagnosed and rushed via ambulance to GPHC for immediate surgery.
  • Ravens defeat Maccabees 70-63
  • GYTimes - November 17, 2008
    Dyna Ravens Basketball Club raced to a 70-63 victory against the Maccabees on Saturday night in the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Associations ( GABA), Lens Craft Optical, first-division tournament at the Burnham Basketball Court.
    Ravens added new fire power to their repertoire of skilled long-range shooters, with former Disciples point guard, Marlon Chesney, recently joining the team.
    Chesney, a former national junior player had no problems adapting to the Ravens fast-paced style of play and contributed 11 points to his teams winning total.
    Meanwhile, another former national junior player, Kevin Evans, and Marlon Rodrigues shared the top scoring role for the Ravens, registering 12 points apiece.
    Seasoned point guard, Hodayah Stewart, registered a game-high 19 points for the Maccabees, while Joel Greene and Knaniel Stewart added 11 and 10 points re spectively.
    The Beepat Scorpions failed to make an appearance in the supporting game, thereby conceding a walk over victory to the Demerara Panthers in the Kevin Memorial/Lens Craft third division league.
  • Ravens defeat Maccabees 70- 63
  • November 17, 2008 - By knews
    Play in the Linden Amateur Basketball Association’s Senior Club basketball championship continued at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court on Saturday night with wins for Patriots and Victory Valley Royals.
    Patriots beat Glands Trucking Service Bulls 65-54, while Victory Valley Royals won against New Ballers 77-56.
    The Patriots led (18-11) (35-27) (55-31), (65-54) in the respective quarters. Neil Marks 23 points, Julius Carter 19 and Trevor added 15 for Patriots. For Bulls- Mark Rose scored a game high 28 points and Ruel McKinnon supported with 7.
    Royals defeated New Ballers 77-56. Royals were propelled to victory through Dwayne Roberts with 24 points, Orlando Glasgow 16 and Anson Durant 15, while for the losing Ballers- Eon Reddock 16 had points, Ivor Blair 14 and Rondell Grant 13.
  • LABA secretary replies to Banks DIH’s denial for sponsorship commitment
  • November 17, 2008 - By knews
    DEAR MR. EDITOR,
    After due consideration and in light of denial by the beverage giants Banks DIH Limited, that it never committed itself to sponsor the LABA’s 2008 First Division basketball championship, I feel compelled as Secretary of LABA to respond.
    It is a pity that the Communications Manager of Banks DIH Mr. Troy Peters has come forward to state “Banks DIH Limited wishes to state that there was no commitment, verbal or written, to sponsor the LABA tournament,” as his colleagues should have advised him on this matter.
    This of course was in reference to president of LABA Uborn Smith, that Banks DIH Limited had withdrawn from a commitment made previously.
    I wish to recall that in November last year we made a request and furnished Banks DIH Limited with a budget for this proposed championship, as our intention then was to have this tournament played in the first quarter of 2008.
    However, just before the 2008 Linden Town Week, at April’s month end, we realised that we had not heard from Banks DIH. Incidentally, we saw Mr. Carlton Joao and Mr. Mortimer Stewart in Linden and enquired of Mr. Joao about the state of our request. Mr. Joao then asked for a copy of the correspondence and we promptly secured one, and met in the office of the Linden Branch Manager Ms Shaundel Easton.
    At this meeting in the Linden Office were the Linden Manager Ms. Easton, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Joao, Mr. Uborn Smith, Second Vice President Bryan Lewis and myself.
    There, Mr. Carlton Joao went through the budget with us and said he had no problem with the request but asked that there be additionally, a provision for advertising costs inclusive for television and banners.
    Mr. Joao then declared that this will be known as the ‘Sprite First Division Basketball championship.’ We interpret that as a commitment.
    Subsequently, as was requested, the LABA sent a revised budget under the caption of the ‘Sprite/LABA basketball championship.’
    After that meeting we made several checks at the Linden Office and were told that there was no word yet on this Sprite/ LABA championship. Then we were told that Banks DIH will meet with us after Carifesta.
    On checking after Carifesta, the Linden Office informed us that there were some other internal matters being addressed, so we could not be entertained. To this date we are unsure of what really is the position with this budget which we feel was committed to by Banks DIH.
    We are still awaiting word on the real position, as in all that we have written and spoken to as a follow-up Banks DIH Limited has not seen it fit to reply officially to our request.
    At this juncture one would want to know if the release by Mr. Peters is a final decision taken by Banks DIH Limited. Or that the LABA should await an official position from the beverage giants.
    Why are being treated like this? As we refer to this Guyanese company proudly as “is we own.”
    Joseph Chapman
    Secretary, LABA

  • GABA first Division League: Pepsi Sonics upset Courts Pacesetters
  • By Rawle Toney - November 17, 2008
    Pepsi Sonics is making a statement in the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) first division tournament.
    The Sonics boomed their way to a second win in as many matches when the tournament continued at the Burnham Court on Friday night.
    Sonics, on this occasion, got the better of Georgetown’s top club, Courts Pacesetters, scoring a closely-fought 67-64 points’ win. The Sonics seemed to come out with one thing on their minds, which was to pick up on all the loose balls which they did, forcing the Pacesetters to rush their game which did not work too well for them.
    The game started with the Pacesetters going on a good offensive run while the Sonics struggled a bit shooting-wise although they were still playing good defence. The quarter ended 18-9 in favour of the Courts Pacesetters.
    The second quarter saw a rejuvenated Sonics team, one that forced Pacesetters to make some bad choices on possession at both ends of the court with their defensive and offensive attacks led by centre and captain Casey Hollingsworth.
    Pacesetters `big three’ in Naylon Loncke, Stephon Gillis and Royston Siland were all out played by the Sonics team and the team committed numerous turnovers and also shot poorly from the free throw line.
    In the end the Sonics were able to rough it out and come away victorious.
    Hollingsworth led all scorers with 19 points followed by Rawle White, 15, while Tyron Smith and Ryan Melvin scored 13 and 10 points respectively.
    For the Pacesetters, Gillis shot 11, Travis Burnette 10 and Aubrey Smith and Loncke nine points each.
    The tournament continued last evening and more matches will be played this evening concurrently with the Lens Craft Third Division league. All matches will be played at the Burnham Court starting at 5pm each day.

  • LABA senior club championship ships set for action-packed week-end
  • BY Staff
    The Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) senior club championship is set to continue this weekend with a double header this evening at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard-court.
    Starting at 6:30pm, Patriots will match skills with Glands Trucking Service Bulls while New Ballers will face the Victory Valley Royals.
    Tomorrow evening the Amelia’s Ward Jets are down to play Alleyne’s Retrieve Raiders in the first game while the clash between New Ballers and Wismar Pistons will wrap up the night’s double header.
    Meanwhile, according to a release issued by LABA secretary, Joe Chapman, seven of the eight affiliated first division clubs participating will now contest the championships.
    Those clubs are Wismar Pistons, Victory Valley Royals, Patriots, New Ballers, Amelia’s Ward Jets, Alleyne’s Retrieve Raiders and Glands Trucking Service Bulls.
    According to Chapman, the Kashif and Shanghai Kings withdrew after stating that they wanted assurances that the prize monies will be available at the end of the tournament.
    Chapman said that the association had committed itself to providing trophies and cash incentives for the tournament with $100,000 for the winner, $60,000 for the second placed team, while third and will be receiving 40 and $20,000 respectively. There will also be an award for the most valuable Player of the tournament (MVP).
    The Kings Chapman said did not show up fir their first scheduled game last Sunday ands subsequently told the association at a meeting held Wednesday that they would not be playing in the tournament.
    According to the release a number of individuals have since come forward pledging trophies for the tournament.

  • Sports Ministry, NSC bullish in their support for sports
  • Dear Editor,
    When we lose a family member it is indeed a very emotional time in our lives. We reflect upon the highlights of that person's life, and when that person departs in their prime, we contemplate on what possibilities we will never have the opportunity of witnessing.
    In the fraternity of sports, Kevin Worrell Jr. Was our brother, and as our brother we felt all the emotions and feelings as described above and we share them with his basketball family and more importantly his immediate family.
    And on the nights of the vigil to reminisce upon his brief sojourn on Earth, we at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport / National Sports Commission joined in mourning the passing of a brother.
    In memory to a departed brother and all those who continue to strive for the development of sport, the National Sports Commission will continue in its mandate to work towards further development of all sports in Guyana, including basketball.
    We will also like to reassure all citizens and lovers of sport that sport is very much on the agenda of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission.
    To this end we will continue our programme of community outreached called "Days of Interaction" wherein we visit multiethnic communities and encourage cooperation, understanding and peace through sports.
    We will continue our 'Teach Them Young' programmes which target school aged children and engages them in sport for healthy living.
    We will continue to work with the Ministry of Health in our intense pursuit to stem the spread of HIV/AIDS in Guyana, and we will continue to invest in the youth, the greatest asset and future of our beautiful country.
    This is most evident in our commitment to participation in the Inter Guiana Games (IGG). Basketball plays a predominant position in our preparations for the IGG.
    The National Sports Commission has acquired the services of former President of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association, Mr. Chris Bowman, to ensure that our preparations for this Inter regional competition moves apace.
    To supplement his training regiment for the team to represent Guyana at the IGG in basketball, Mr. Bowman has been instrumental in developing a year long programme of Elite Basketball training for our junior 'ballers' as well as coordinating the National Secondary School Basketball Festival and an Under-16 Basketball training programme.
    Given the hard work and dedication on the part of our administrative and technical staff as well as the player, we look forward to the upcoming leg of the IGG in French Guiana in which we anticipate success in not only basketball, in which we are confident of defending our status as champions, but also in cycling and volleyball in both male and female categories.
    The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport / National Sports Commission reaffirms itself to sport in Guyana whether it be cricket, hockey, badminton, squash, football, basketball or any of the many sports disciplines fervently pursued by our citizens.
    Yours truly,
    Neil Kumar
    Director of Sports
  • Colts brush aside Maccabees 71- 41 -Walcott pours in game- high 33 points
  • By Kiev Chesney November 11, 2008
    Dexter Walcott registered a game high of 33 points to help the Bounty Farm Colts to a 71-41 destruction of the Maccabees in the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association, Kevin Worrell Memorial/ Lens Craft third- division competition on Sunday at the Burnham Basketball Court.
    Walcott was not the only Colts player, who had an explosive night on offence; he was complemented by Kacey Bowen, who scored 24 points as the two combined to surpass the entire Maccabees points total.
    Darrel Levars and Yannick Dundas were the effective offensive weapons for the Maccabees, but could manage only 14 and eight points respectively.
    Also on Sunday, the Nets basketball club defeated the Beepat Scorpions 72- 63 in the Lens Craft first division match-up.
    The big three - Drumson Mc Caulay (19), Treiston Tullock (11) and Fabian Johnson (11) - combined for 41 points to lead the Nets offence, while Scorpions point guard Sheldon Braithwaithe and forward Kestor Gomes registered 18 and 11 respectively.
    Meanwhile, on Saturday night, Courts Pacesetter held on for a one-point, 60-59, victory against the Pepsi Sonics in the third division game.
    Marlon Anderson completed a double-double (achieving double figures in two statistical categories) with 19 points and 19 rebounds for the victors, while Pepsi Sonics guard, Bevon Spooner, had a game high of 22 points.
    In the first-division match that followed, the Bounty Colts defeated the
  • Inter-Guiana Games postponed to month-end - says NSC Admin Officer
  • By Kiev Chesney November 14, 2008
    Administrative Officer of the National Sports Commission ( NSC), Gervy C. Harry, earlier this week confirmed that the second leg of the Inter- Guiana Games, which was originally scheduled to take place from 14th - 16th of this month, has been rescheduled to November 28- 30, in French Guiana.
    According to Harry, the NSC received word early last week that the host country had asked that the date be pushed back for reasons unknown to him.
    " All of our preparations are on stream and as far as I know, Suriname is ready as well, but French Guiana said that they wanted some more time, so we all agreed on the new date at the end of this month," Harry said.
    Nevertheless, he said that the local delegation is in a state of readiness and teams are continuing their weekly scheduled practice sessions and weekend encampments, unaffected.
    Apart from the 68 athletes and officials from the three disciplines, Harry also said that the delegation will be accompanied by competent administrative staff and media personnel.
    The second leg will see Guyana participating in three disciplines ( volleyball, basketball and cycling) in both the male and female categories.
  • Pacesetters and Sonics in clash of the unbeaten tonight
  • By Kiev Chesney November 14, 2008
    Courts Pacesetter and the Pepsi Sonics, both unbeaten so far in the GABA/ Lens Craft, first- division league, will go against each other in the feature game of a double- header tonight at the Burnham Basketball Court.
    Pacesetters coach and former national player, Robert Bobby Cadogan, has high expectations of his team for this competition.
    " The Pacesetters basketball club intends to go through this league undefeated. In this league, every team has to play one another and we are sure that we can beat all the teams." Cadagon said yesterday.
    Having already beaten the formidable Bounty Farm Colts on the opening night, Cadogan said his team is ready to get past the second hurdle this evening.
    Apart from his three perennial starters: Royston Siland, Nalion Lonke and Stephon Gillis, Cadogan said he has a surprise in store for opposing coach, Mark Agard, and