Tranquil whip determined CIC

ONE of the more exciting games of the 2004 NGC/Express Secondary Schools Basketball season saw the new-look St Mary’s (CIC) and Tranquillity in an on-court thriller at the St Paul’s Street Multi-Purpose Facility yesterday. Tranquillity were eventual 44-38 winners, but had to stave off a determined CIC team whose only seasoned campaigner was centre Javon Edwards, and was led in scoring by Darrius Marcellin with a joint game high 15 points and Zenon Alleyne who contributed 10 to the final total.

The defending champions, Tranquillity, found their first wind quickly and went up 12-8 at the end of the first period, but CIC stayed on their heels and were only kept at arms length and stumbled along until they were able to assert themselves just before the half-time whistle. Alleyne sunk a three pointer within the last minute to give CIC a one point lead but Tranquillity’s only remaining player from last season Keron Alleyne showed his experience as he composed himself and hit a buzzer beating shot from just inside the CIC half to restore his team’s two point cushion. When they got back on the court Tranquillity settled into their game and finished the period 35-27 leaders going into the final quarter where they took the final step to their first victory and walked off the court a little more confident having made a dream start to the season.

Tranquillity’s Kern Samuel finished on 15 points, his end of the game high being more rewarding, while Talib Roach had eight, forming part of the support system that his team is known for and which led them to a sweep of all competitions in 2003. In the earlier encounter Belmont Secondary centre Sebastien Pantin scored 18 points and Kenneth McQuilkin 19 points as they easily disposed of Trinity College leaving them bewildered as they secured a 52-19 win. Games continue tomorrow as the Boys Under-20 Division begins with games at the International School of  Port-of-Spain where the International School hosts Queen’s Royal College and Maple Leaf play St Mary’s. At St Paul Street, Morvant/Laventille play Excel Composite.