“One of the most thrilling games of the season….”
Basketball City, St.Kitts – Nevis
St. Kitts Amateur Basketball Association
September 09, 2012
The Horsford’s Ghetto Roots has moved to within one victory of winning their 7th SKABA National Basketball Title.
In one of the most thrilling games of the season the Newtown based Ghetto Roots pulled off an impressive victory over their finals opponents the Challengers EXODUS.
The game began with the Ghetto Roots scoring the first 7 points with exciting guard Levi “By-By” Fyfeild scoring the first 5 points of the game including a 3 pointer. Exodus remained calm despite Fyfeild opening spurt and took control of the game and got the lead late in the 1st quarter. Exodus began the 2n quarter with the advantage as veteran Shawn “Shabba” Forbes asserted himself in the paint with a flurry of shots.
Exodus guards Javal “Princey” and Taslyn “Tazzy” Hodge were methodical as they gave the Ghetto Roots guard defense, all they could handle and more. Princey constantly broke down the back court defense to penetrate the paint forcing the Ghetto Roots front court to pick up fouls in their efforts to shut down the middle. Tazzy also had a brief run of 3 point and 2 point field goals which gave the Exodus a sense of confidence which was not present in game 1 of the series.
The Ghetto Roots coach Wallis Wilkin made a much criticized substitution late in the first half when he took our Point Guard Rymal “Bally” Browne to give the talented former national player a breather. Browne was replaced by the young, talented but very inexperienced Khalid Thomas who entered the game at a critical and very frantic time of the game. The move resulted in Exodus remaining in control but got no further than 5 points ahead ending the first half up 40-35.
The 2nd half was a seemingly much different ball game , especially for the Ghetto Roots. They came out rejuvenated as the front court duo of Troy “Jasbo” Wattley and Kithely Hicks took completed control of the paint with a series of post moves and mid range jump shots which also got the Exodus front court defense in foul trouble. Exodus big man Shawn “Shabba” Forbes picked up his 3rd and 4th fouls which help to further change the tone of the game in favor of Ghetto Roots. Despite the scoring flurry Ghetto Roots guard Rymal “Bally” Brown kept his team calm and under control with a slow methodical pace which frustrated the Exodus who prefers an uptempu fast paced game.
The 4th quarter was all Ghetto Roots as Berlie Francis continued his steady consistent play which broke down the Exodus defense and Levi “By-By” Fyfeild put on another one of his spectacular scoring displays with everything from 3 point shots, to dunks and crossovers down the paint. The Exodus team , surprisingly, seem to have given up on the game with about 7 minutes to go when Fyfeild brought the crowd to it’s feet with an exciting crossover move to the basket which left the entire Exodus flat footed and wondering to themselves “what just happened”. The move resulted in a double digit lead for Ghetto Roots with less than 5 minutes remaining. Despite a few careless turnovers by Ghetto Roots and a few missed easy dunks and lay-ups the Exodus just seemed to have given up on the game.
The game ended with Ghetto Roots winning their 4th straight playoff game and their 2nd straight in the finals 77-66. No doubt Ghetto Roots will be seeking to close the deal on Sunday night. However Exodus Coach Jamie “Slam” Harrigan has declared that the series is not over and they have no intention of just rolling over and giving the Ghetto Roots the championship.
Game 3 takes place on Sunday at Basketball City at 8:00 pm. The Ghetto Roots Club and Premier Division team the Horsfords Roots will be playing the first game on Sunday versus the Rockers X1 in a relegation match-up.
Ghetto Roots is one of the more dominant and storied teas in SKABA and regional Club Basketball history. Only Hitters has won more National Titles and they are the very first OECS Club Champions.
Top Performers S L Horsfords Ghetto Roots:
- Levi Fyfield: 28 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal, 1 block, 2 of 4 free throws made
- Berly Francis: 18 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 2 of 4 free throws made
- Troy Wattley: 10 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 0 of 2 free throws made
Top Performers Challengers Exodus:
- Taslin Hodge: 18 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 4 of 4 free throws made
- Javal Hodge: 15 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 2 of 4 free throws made
- Shawn Forbes: 12 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 4 of 8 free throws made