SAN IGNACIO TOWN, Sun. Nov. 29, 2015–The BECOL basketball tournament hosted two deciding semifinal game 3’s on Thursday night, to determine which U19 and U23 teams will advance to the championship series. In game 1, SHC (#2) narrowly edged Alpha Warriors (#3) in the U19 division, 54-50. SHC was led by Raheem Crawford, who had the game high with 23 points, while Jovanne “Pov” Zetina scored 15 pts, and Orel Neal sank 7 pts. In a losing effort, Alpha Warriors top scorers were Joel Montejo with 14 pts, Gian Bethran with 11 pts, and Shevan Harris with 8 pts. With the win, SHC will go up against the #1 seed, Christian Ambassadors. These two teams split their 2 regular season games. In game 2, Spartans (#3) needed overtime to clinch a berth to the finals, as they narrowly defeated Santiago Juan Warriors (#2), 45-43. Spartans’ top scorers were Kevin Brown and Khalil Bennett with 18 pts each. Santiago Juan Warriors were led by Elvert Arriola, who had 18 pts, while Jeffrey “Turtle” Carillo finished with 15 pts.
On Friday night, the BECOL basketball final games tipped off with Western Queens (#1) defeating Belmopan Shock (#2) in the female division, 44-30. Western Queens’ top scorers were Yesica Prom and Amanda Sarceno, who tallied 20 and 8 pts, respectively. Belmopan Shock was led by Enid Dakers, who scored 9 pts, while Anna Gonzalez finished with 5 pts. The victory placed Western Queens, one win away from becoming the female champions in this year’s BECOL tournament. In game 2, Yabra (#2) defeated Roaring Creek Special Effects (#1) in the Over 35 category, 58-43, in a very good game up to the midway mark of the fourth quarter. Yabra was led by Kevin Domingo and Cassian “Russian” Flowers, who sank 14 pts each, while Charles “Dunk” Armstrong netted 13 pts, and Bart Sanchez had 7 pts. The top scorers for Roaring Creek were Artan Tucker and Karon “Civic” Neal, who tallied 17 and 12 pts, respectively. Yabra now has a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series that will continue this weekend. There was one remaining game in the semifinal round, to determine which team would advance to the finals in the senior division. In the nightcap, Benque Power (#3) defeated Falcon Ballers (#2), 77-65, in the senior division. With the win, Benque Power advanced to the finals verses Panthers. Roberto “Mosho” Castellanos was the top scorer for Benque Power with 25 pts, while Ivan Flowers finished with 18 pts, and Charles Ponce scored 14 pts. Falcon Ballers was led by Jamie Carbajal with 17 pts, while Marlon Andrewin scored 13 pts, and Elliott “Tito” Bermudez sank 12 pts.
On Saturday night, Western Queens (#1) became the female champions, as they narrowly edged Belmopan Shock (#2), 34-27. Western Queens’ top scorers were Yesica Prom with the game high, 15 pts, Amanda Sarceno netted 10 pts, and Shirley Codd swished 8 pts. Belmopan Shock was led by Kaylani Reid with 12 pts, and Enid Dakers with 9 pts. In game 2, Light and Peace (#1) defeated Spartans (#3), 71-60, in the Under 23 category. Light and Peace was led by Kevin Hamilton, who sank 17 pts, Jamaal Augustine with 16 pts, Ian Augustine, Jr. with 11 pts, and Luis Barcelona with 10 pts. The top scorers for Spartans were Khalil Bennett with the game high 22 pts, and Kevin Brown with 20 pts. With the win, Light and Peace has taken a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series in the U23 category. In the nightcap, Panthers (#1) blew out Benque Power (#3), 59-41, in the senior division, to claim the 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series. Panthers were led by Daniel “Buddy” Nolberto, who had the game high with 21 pts, while Johann “Cutto” Bermudez netted 8 pts. Ivan Flowers was the top scorer for Benque Power with 14 pts, while Charles Ponce tallied 8 pts.
The remaining championship games will be played this weekend, followed by the presentation of trophies on Saturday night. First and second place teams will receive individual trophies along with a team trophy, while regular season and finals MVP awards will be handed out for all 5 divisions.
Friday, December 4
6:30 p.m. – (U19) Christian Ambassadors (#1) vs SHC (#2) 7:30 p.m. – (U23) Light & Peace (#1) vs Spartans (#3)
8:30 p.m. – (Senior) Panthers (#1) vs Benque Power (#3)
Saturday, December 5
6:30 p.m. – (U19) Christian Ambassadors (#1) vs SHC (#2) 7:30 p.m. – (O35) Roaring Creek Special Effects (#1) vs Yabra (#2)
8:30 p.m. – Game 3 – if necessary. If no game 3, then Trophy Presentations.
(SSBA – San Ignacio/Santa Elena Basketball Association)