Champs NFM cruise in national b-ball

NORTH ZONE women champs Defence Force and men National Flour Mills (NFM) began their National Basketball Championship challenges with comprehensive victories at the St Paul Street Multi-Purpose Complex. Prior to the games, coaches of both teams expressed confidence they will get winning performances from their players. And coach Anthony Tannis’ Defence Force women did not disappoint as they shot down Malick Tigers 63-41 in the first game on Wednesday. Named “Player of the Game” for her assist, 13 points and four rebounds Stacey Sparks led Defence Force and was aided by Sojouner “Suzy” Hyles with ten points and five rebounds and Anastasia Wilson who had 12 points nine rebounds and two assists. The game was all Defence Force who led 24-6 at the end of the opening quarter,  35-12 at the half and 48-22 at the end of third period, as they cruised to victory.

Crystal Kirton of Malick Senior Comprehensive was the only real tiger in the Malick team scoring  12 points and pulling down seven rebounds. Kerry Westfield scored a joint game high 17 points and Kerry Joseph proved to be a thorn to who ever was guarding him scoring 12 points, dishing out four assists and snaring five rebounds, as National Flour Mills whipped  Sangre Grande All Stars 77-54. Royal Extra North zone champs NFM took the lead and never relinquished it, holding  their opponents to ten points in the third quarter to take a lead of 56-33 going into the final period.  They led 33-23 at half-time. But despite the NFM dominance, All Stars kept their opponents up to their task in defence as Mervyn Headley matched Westfield’s game high 17 points and added six rebounds and three blocked shots.

Noel Rochford had 11 points and seven rebounds, while Gregory Alexander scored 11 and six rebounds, and  Inglebert Beard had ten points and four rebounds for the Grande men. Action resumes tomorrow when Tigers meet Police in the women category and Marabella Raptors take on Unit Trust Maloney Pacers at the Pleasantville Indoor Sport Facility. In the sister-island at Shaw Park, Tobago, Courts Hillbouncers host Defence Force women and Seattle play NFM in the men’s group.