by Charles Gladden
ARGENTINA, Thurs. June 6, 2024
After riding a major high after defeating Brazil, 106 – 102, on the opening day of the FIBA U18 AmeriCup in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Monday, June 3, Belize fell to the USA on Tuesday by a FIBA record margin of nearly 100 points on day two of the tournament, then lost to the host country by over 30 points.
Entering Tuesday’s game, Belize had pulled off the biggest upset in the tournament’s history by beating Brazil, ranked 11 in the world. Meanwhile, Belize was unranked going into the tournament, with newcomer Josiah Moseley, who is recognized as the number one high school player in Texas, scoring a game-high 31 points.
But against the basketball giant, USA, who started with a 21 to nil run, Belize did not manage to score their first basket until the 6:17 mark of the first quarter, and it was a blowout throughout the game, 150 – 54 being the final score.
Ian Parham led Belize’s scoring with 12 points, and Elijah Favela added 10 points.
Following that loss, Belize never regained its footing—losing to Argentina yesterday, Wednesday, 109 – 73, placing the country (Belize) in 4th place in their group.
Moseley finished with 23 points and 7 rebounds, Douglas Langford netted a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds, and Elijah Favela scored 18 points.
Despite the loss, the team garnered praise from Belizeans who are tuned in to the games, and even from Sports Minister, Hon. Rodwell Ferguson.
“When they went, they were ambassadors to Belize, and I’m sure when they went to Argentina, [it was] the first time they heard about this small country of Belize; and they defeated a giant (Brazil); and we’re still in the race, because everybody won one game except the US. We are in the race; hopefully, we can be better and improve. If they only win one game, we’re going to receive them at the airport,” he said.
The team rests today, Thursday, June 6, as they prepare for the quarterfinals against the undefeated Dominican Republic from Group A on Friday.
(AMANDALA Ed. Note: The heroic Belize National U18 Team consists of players: #0 Jason Orosco (guard), #1 Elihah Favela (guard), #2 Michael Caceres (forward), #3 Daniel Musa (guard), #4 Wilford Dawson (forward), #5 Devin Moody (guard), #7 Ian Parham (guard), #9 Meshach Flowers (guard), #10 Tevaughn Dawson (guard), #13 Josiah Moseley (power forward), #15 Amare Jones (center), and #24 Douglas Langford (center); coaching staff: coach – Matthew Smiling; assistant coach 1 – Roscoe Rhys; assistant coach 2 – Stephen Williams.)