Photo: Nigel Jones

by Charles Gladden

BELIZE CITY, Fri. Jan. 27, 2023

Belize City Defenders kicked off the brand new 2023 Belize Elite Basketball League (BEBL) season, formally known as the NEBL, with a victory at the Civic Center in Belize City over the Griga Dream Ballers with a score of 82 – 70.

Defenders started sluggish as they ended the first quarter down to Griga with a score of 19 – 24 but were able to compose themselves and ended the first half on top at 44 – 40. Going into the second half, Defenders kept pressing on the gas as they never looked back and finished the game with the final score being 82 – 70.

Nigel Jones was highlighted as the Player of the Game as he produced a double-double of 29 points and 10 rebounds.

“Well, I just wanted to come and dominate as much as I could do, to do whatever it is to help the team. We’ve been hearing a lot of chatter around the league about the defenders isn’t going to be ready so I kind of put emphasis on myself that we have to come out and make a big statement for the opening game,” he said.

Devin Daly was the second leader of the Defenders with 20 points and 8 rebounds trailing behind was Mykiel Tzul with 14 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds.

Meanwhile, D’von Campbell netted 26 points for Griga Dream Ballers, Edgar Mitchell finished with 11 points and 6 rebounds, and Kevon Laurie with 11 points and 5 rebounds.