Host country Dominica got off to a disappointing start in the Sugar Creole Basketball Tournament on Friday night, losing its first game to St Kitts & Nevis in overtime.
The tournament, which started off a bit later than scheduled, did not disappoint the fans in terms of quality basketball. The evening started off with the team introductions followed by the national anthems of the respective countries after former president of Dominica Amateur Basketball Association Dave Baron gave a short welcome address.
The game began very slowly with both teams gagging each other for the first 5 minutes, until St. Kitts scored first. The first quarter ended with St. Kitts 13 pts to Dominica 10 pts.
Dominica, with a practically new team from the one which participated in the tournament in St Kitts last year, recovered by scoring 17 points to St Kitts 13 pts in the 2nd quarter, to end the half 27 pts to 26 pts.
The third and fourth quarters were no different with both teams exchanging leads and being very competitive. But with 1 minute remaining in regulation time and Dominica leading 55 pts to 53 pts, St kitts was able to penetrate the Dominica defense and tie the game 55 pts to 55 pts with 13 seconds left to play.
Dominica failed to capitalize on the time left to win the game as tight defense and a near steal from St. Kitts caused the ball to go out of bounds with 1.4 seconds remaining but Dominica made the ultimate blunder with a player dribbling out the time without taking a shot.
And so the game went into overtime with the scores even at 55 points.
During the overtime period Dominica fared no better with some early turnovers and poor play. St Kitts took the lead and never relinquished, finally winning the first game of the tournament with a score of 64 pts to Dominica’s 58 pts.
St Kitts will play Martinique at 9.00 pm tonight (Saturday).
The results of the game are:
Top performers: Dominica
Garth Joseph – 15 pts, 11 Rbds , 6 Blks
Neverson JnoBaptiste – 10 pts , 14 Rbds , 1 stl.
Thomas Felix – 11 pts , 5 Stls
Top Performers: St Kitts
Jamboia Caines – 18 pts, 6 Rbds , 2Ast.
Troy Watlley – 8 pts , 4 Stls. 3 Rbds
Nashom Maynard – 7 pts , 16 Rbds, 2 Stls. , 1 Blk
Tonight Schedule – at Lindo Park Hard Court.
7.00 pm – Dominica Under 23 vs. Dominica Snr.
9.00 pm – St Kitts vs. Martinique
Big up to Thomas Felix,the player from grand bay,Garth Joseph,Nerverson for a great game. And the contribution of the rest of the players was fabulous.
Did they really TROUNCE us? You will find that is gross misuse of the word.
the headline said SKB trounced DCA. i was expecting to read that we got blown out. poor use of words.
Garcon that was a wasted Friday evening for me. I decided to bring my daughter along…she just shouted and shouted. At the age of two I wondered what could she possibly understand about all this. But two minutes into the event I was siding with her. These Dominican players were awful to say the least. Why on earth are they so divided. I sat there and looked on in horror at the lack of enthusiasm and professionalism. When I looked at the Kitts team they were together at every interval in a cluster whatever they were discussing showed team spirit. Dominica on the other end were scattered and who arguing with whom. It was terrible show of team spirit. They never took the time to assess their opponents and their coaches were more than useless. Why oh why can’t we come together for our own development. I told my companion that the Dominica team would lose just for the way they were divided. At the outset the extremely tall fella Garth was not co operative and very argumentative. For a professional game they should have left the talking to the coaches but the team players seem to be taking on the coaches themselves. This I could wait for the hour to past. And when it did shame there was a tie. All in all I was correct St. Kitts did a fantastic job. I didn’t bother to go the other nights because I had seen all I could stomach with the Dominican players. When will they take a leaf out of the team spirit group like St. Kitts.
it is people like you who always doing the talking ,but no action.The national team was not at their best <but give them alike credit for their effort.I know their is alot to be desired but pulling them down like that does not help.When last have you make a contribution to basketball in any form?
I am ashame that you did not go the other nights,for it was real nice and entertaining.You id not get a chance to see the u23 team,they give a very good account of themselves against the national team and St kitts.You would say that they lost both games,but thats ok for they are a young developing team and their further could be bright ,if guys like you can give your surpport and encouragement,assist in some way!From what i understand both the Martinique and St Kitts coaches were quite impress with them and expects that they would stay together and continue training.They really give a good account of themselves,despite their limitations.
I went to all the games and I was really impressed with the under 23 team. They played really good. There defence and offence was good. Unfortunately they broke down in the end. The coach also was good, the changes he made was at the right time. I can really tell the team where they need to improve. One thing i was disappointed about is that a few attitude came out in the end. So my advice to the developing team is to stay focus throughout the games whether a win or loss. Thnanks
I agree with you very much AHAHA. Garth attitude was very poor and it showed to the entire public.I honestly never thought Garth had that kind of poor attitude. Yes some of the guys dont respect the COACH. Why is the coach accepting this craziness as i call it from the player? I have never seen this player talking/coaching. Something has to be done abuout that DABA.And what happen to the players who did not play; they didnt show up the next day. They should never make the national team agian.
I want to wish all the positive young men of the region well for stepping forward in these trying times with so many distractions and representing their islands in basketball. I want to particularly praise and support the Dominica team and my very own nephew for allowing himself to be part of something so rewarding and healthy. Congrats and best wishes. Every team is a winner, just that some team will emerge the top winner. Kudos stay in the positive youngsters!
NBA player that was suppose to read.
Being proactive as some idiot would comment on play
These are not the days of Charles Carlos just 4 relax Roberts, Hola, Clem JB et Al despite garth ascent to the NBA charlo could have been an NBA play given the opportunity in the 70’s early 80’s.
that is a shame. thy never recognize the true ballers them so its nice they got shamed lol
This is not a fair statement. The team was well picked. Is to bad Dominica lost to ST Kitts. I no we will beat them the next time. Why didnt the Dominica team get a trophy or something for participating? I would like +Mickey to answer this ?