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Spotlight on the BEBL after Week 1

SportsSpotlight on the BEBL after Week 1

Just the Look On … but how I see it after Week 1
in the BEBL:

by Berisford Codd, Jr.

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Feb. 2, 2023

(1) Benny’s Belize Hurricanes – The odds-on favorite to run through the league this year, the Hurricanes were up by 16 at the end of the first quarter and cruised to an easy win in PG. If it wasn’t for some sloppy play in the 4th (outscored 25-13) and bad three-point shooting it could easily have been a 40 point blowout. They will face their first test this Friday against the always formidable San Pedro Tiger Sharks. 2019 MVP Kris Frazier is now sporting the Hurricanes Red-White-Blue and a sleeker frame, but he looked as dominant as he did from his old Verdes days, putting up 22 pts and 13 rebs in 24 mins while resting the entire 4th quarter.

(2) Western Ballaz – The press was on in SISE (San Ignacio/Santa Elena) behind what looks once again like the best fan base in the league (or at least a close 2nd to Griga). The Ballaz quickness was simply too much for OW, who found themselves behind after falling in love with the jump shot from tipoff. A dominant wire to wire win brings a lot of confidence; however, Coach Karim Juan may have to go searching for another big man as the Ballaz got worked on, on the offensive glass. Richard Smith III easily looks like the DPOY (defensive player of the year) in waiting with a monster 20 rebound/4 steal/3 block game to start the season. All indications are that breakout candidate Kyron Molina will be able to make a full return in the next two weeks after suffering what looked like a serious knee injury in the opener.

(3) Belize City Defenders – The likely Champs from the cancelled 2020 season got off to a rocky start in their home opener, as the dynamic Griga back court was getting whatever they wanted for most of the 1st quarter, but the game turned when Head Coach Matthew Smiling inserted veteran Ty Bradley with two minutes left in the first to take some life from the Griga back court. Bradley would finish the game 0/3 in 23 minutes but the Defenders were a +15 with him on the court #DefenseWinsChampionships. During Bradley’s first 7-minute stint on the floor the Defenders went on a 15-6 run to take the lead that would hold for the rest of the game. Former MVP Nigel Jones was on cruise control all game, scoring the easiest 29 points he will get all season with a series of uncontested layups and dunks from missed assignments and run outs after Griga long jumpers. While the Defenders were definitely not sharp, their toughness and the Daly + Jones combination will make them a tough out for any BEBL team … If only they had Kirk Smith Jr. …

(4) San Pedro Tigersharks** – Game Postponed

(5) Belmopan Red Taigaz** – Game Postponed

(6) Griga Dream Ballers – A perennial contender from the days of the NEBL, Griga Dream Ballers got off to a great start against the Defenders and gave fans flashbacks of the season of promise that was 2020. However, their lack of depth was quickly exposed when the Defenders began loading up on star point guard D’von Campbell. Griga, who is now without regulars Macario Augustine, Daniel Conorque, Brandon Flowers, Lisani Lambey, and Daniel Nolberto, will have a tough hill to climb this season as teams will continue to load up on their back court with the goal of having the supporting cast beat them. Another set of uninspired performances in the home opener from Jarrel Velasquez (who already seems like a clunky fit) and Delvon Henderson (who seemed visibly frustrated/disinterested most of the game) will have Griga fans chomping at the bits for some changes from both coaching and management, expeditiously. With limited options out there, it may be a long season ahead for the boys from the Kulcha Capital.

(7) Orange Walk Running Rebels – Sporting a beefed up lineup with an array of bigs, OW was swiftly ran out of the gym in their season opener against Western Ballaz. While those bigs did help them to pull closer in the 2nd quarter thanks to a dominant performance on the glass (21 offensive rebounds), the Rebels frigid shooting (26.5 fg%) and sloppy ball handling (17 steals – live ball turnovers) left Coach Troy Gabb, Jr. puzzled as the team has high expectations to compete as they did in 2020 for a playoff run. In true Coach Gabb fashion, the rumor mill has already been buzzing that help is on the way, so OW fans should expect to see a much better effort in week 2 when they travel to Griga!

(8) Punta Gorda Panthers – The youngest club in the league was overmatched from the start against the powerhouse Hurricanes. Currently playing with only one import, it will be a long season ahead for PG who is rather thin on high end talent to compete against the best in the BEBL on a weekly basis. It will be interesting to see the development of their young players as the season progresses, as they should be a scrappy and fun bunch who get up and down the court.

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