Noelita Lawrence
Title holders Herbert Morrison Technical High and former champions Muschett were in trampling form as they both scored convincing wins over William Knibb and Green Pond as preliminary round action in the ISSA Western Conference Basketball competition draws to a close. Herbert, already through to the semi-finals, brushed aside Knibb 103-43 in their Under-19 match, with four players getting into double figures, three with double-doubles.
With another electrifying performance, the dazzling Brendon Dawkins led the way for the Dave Black-coached team with a double-double, 25 points and 10 rebounds, while David Gordon added 20 and also grabbed 18 rebounds along with four blocks.
Akello Tracey, 20 points and seven rebounds, and the silent, but dangerous Alek Gilchrist, 14 points, 18 rebounds and six blocks, as well as six steals, gave support.Kimani Rose with a solid game-high 31 points, 10 rebounds and 8 steals led the way for Knibb who trailed from start to finish.
The Bogue school also won the Under-16 match-up to complete the double, surviving a last possession scare to record a thrilling 51-49 triumph over Knibb.
Trelawny-based Knibb had the last look at the basket as time expired but failed to convert.
Anthony Thorpe, 20 points and 16 rebounds, and Taj Hewitt 11 points and 10 boards, steered Herbert to the win while Cliffoy Samuels, with 15 points and 12 rebounds, and Kevaughn Hill, 11 and 7 rebounds, kept Knibb in the match.
At the Montego Bay Cricket Club, Muschett, who last lifted the title some four years ago, dismissed a still learning Green Pond High 67-20 in a late-starting lopsided encounter.
Green Pond struggled at the rim despite getting good looks at the basket and remained winless from their matches played in this their first season.
Muschett, without being at their usual flamboyant best, did enough to see off their opponents with Akile Guthrie getting 15 points and Deandre Stewart, 14 and six steals.
Daurrion Downer who by his standards fell short on the boards, ended with 19 rebounds, five blocks and just six points.
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