Barbados Today

Combermere have secured a quarterfinal spot in the Co-operators General Insurance Junior Basketball Knockout Competition.

Playing at home Tuesday afternoon, Combermere trounced The Lodge School in convincing fashion 33-16 to advance. Combermere led 6-0, 10-5 and 21-13 after the first three quarters.

They will have their sternest test next week Tuesday June 13 when they take on defending champions Harrison College who are in fact the double crown kings of the knockout and league competitions.

The first and second quarters had several turnovers but no one really hit the backboard as both sides made several unnecessary mistakes inside the semicircle. At half time it was hosts Combermere who led proceedings 10-5 which made for an interesting third period.

The exchanges and finishing at the hoop were a lot better in the third quarter on both sides of the court with Combermere leading by just four points 16-12 with more than five minutes of playing time gone in the penultimate quarter.

Lodge who looked as though they were about to come from behind had their spirits dampened when Jannick Emile-Smith from the left nailed a three point shot followed by a two pointer from Raziel Williams to give Combermere a comfortable eight point advantage 21-13 heading into the fourth and decisive quarter.

Justin Bramao was the only player into double figures with 11 points for the Combermerians and was well supported by teammates Emile-Smith with eight, Aaron Harris six, Justin Williams’s four and two points each from Ronaldo Gill and Raziel Williams.

Only three players managed to hit the backboard for Lodge with point guard Kwame Patton top scoring with 13 comprising of two three point shots. Thierry Gittens had two and there was one from Julian Forde.

Lodge center and the tallest player on court, Jaquan Bridgeman, was a gentle giant as he failed to intimidate or have much defensive effect on Combermere’s scorers who drove their way comfortably to the basket without much hassle.

Another big result was Deighton Griffith slamming the visiting Christ Church Foundation School 58-15 to also advance through to the quarterfinal where they will take on Queen’s College.

The other knockout match between Lester Vaughan School and St Leonard Boys has been rescheduled.