Challengers Exodus Celebrate After Their Victory
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
September 02, 2012
The Exodus Basketball Team has made history when they defeated the defending Premier Division Champions the Ghaut Bucs on Thursday to advance to the 2012 DIGICEL SKABA Finals. The Challengers based club became the first team to advance to the SKABA finals in their very first year in the SKABA Premier Division. The only other team to come close to achieving that feat is the St. Pauls Tuff Knots who won the SKABA Title in only their 2nd season in the top division back in 2007.
Led by veteran Shawn “Shabba” Forbes, Exodus came back to win two straight games after losing game 1 to the Bucs who seemed then to be determined to at least make a return to the SKABA finals. Shabba was his usual consistent self throughout the series. His very active 6′-5″ frame continues to be difficult to defend as he is easily one of the most active and talented big men in the league. The key to Exodus’ success though, is the Sandy Point dynamic duo of brothers Javal and Taslyn Hodge. They have been the key to Exodus success over the last two years. Belboda in particular has emerged as one of the best guards In the league. His 3point shooting and pure determination and tenacity makes him a difficult match-up for any guard in the league and even the magnificent defense of reigning league MVP Tambie Caines among others, was not enough to contain the diminutive “Tazzy” in this semifinal series.
Exodus led Bucs at the half 35-30 and despite a valiant effort from the bucs the Exodus maintained their lead until the final whistle and capped an impressive series comeback after losing game one then winning all the remaining games in the series to win and advance to the finals. The final score was 76-64.
“We just want to big up the Ghaut Bucks team, they went down like true champions. Now its on to bigger things for Exodus. We have been consistent throughout the regular season and it has carried over to the playoffs. I could tell you all now, Exodus wont be quitting, we wont be giving away anymore games. They have to play their best. We have come to far not to win,” said Roger Gumbs of the Exodus coaching staff.
Exodus will now face the Horsford’s Ghetto Roots who will be going for their 8th SKABA title in a series match-up that is being touted by fans as a “COUNTRY VS TOWN” battle. Only Hitters have won more championships than Ghetto Roots over the years. Game 1 of the series begins on Sunday at 8pm at Basketball City.
Top Performers:
Top Scorers Challengers Exodus:
- Shawn Forbes: 21 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 7 blocks 11 of 17 free throws made
- Taslin Hodge: 20 points, 5 rebounds, 4 of 6 free throws made
- Ansel Revan: 16 points, 9 rebounds, 14 assist, 4 of 7 free throws made
Top Scorers Ghaut Bucs:
- Tambora Caine: 23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 7 of 12 free throws made
- Brian Morris: 18 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 3 of 5 free throws made
- Kimo Liburd: 10 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 0 of 2 free throw made