Herbert Morrison Technical High School (HMTHS) and Knox College will clash in a mouth-watering under-16 matchup in the quarterfinal round of the ISSA Schoolboys Rural Basketball competition at the HMTHS court today. Tip-off time is 1 p.m.
The St James-based HMTHS will enter the rescheduled Group 2 match with an unblemished record and will be eager to close the quarterfinals on a high note.
Levar Rose, coach of HMTHS, said his team’s primary objective is to secure the win and position themselves favourably for the semifinals. A victory would strengthen HMTHS’s case for securing home-court advantage heading into the semifinals, a factor that could prove decisive as the competition intensifies.
“We are aware of our undefeated record and we keep it in mind each game. I think our mentality is that we have to not only win every game, but carry the mantle from where it was left off from former coach Dave Black,” said Rose.
“He started the season undefeated before he left, so then we would like to continue that record,” added Rose.
The game was rained out earlier with 25 seconds remaining and HMTHS in front 43-40.
HMTHS have been dominant throughout the season, boasting a potent offence complemented by a disciplined defence that has frustrated opponents league-wide. Their ability to control the tempo at both ends of the court has been central to their success so far.
However, standing in their way are a determined Clarendon-based Knox College who arrive with only two losses this season and confident that they can upset the competition’s frontrunners. The rescheduled fixture presents Knox with an opportunity to disrupt HMTHS’ perfect run and make a statement at a crucial stage of the tournament.
Othniel Barnaby, assistant coach at Knox College, believes a victory would be significant for his squad, noting that key adjustments will be made as they look to challenge the hosts and shake up the standings.
“We are coming into this game fully prepared and ready for them. We saw that we were evenly matched in the last game but it’s going to come down to will power and what we can do to come out victorious in the game,” said Barnaby.
“We had more time to put in some more work owing to the weather forcing a postponement of the game. There is nothing that can stop us from beating our opponents,” added Barnaby.
In their last encounter, HMTHS blew past Munro College 102-30, while Knox outclassed Old Harbour High, 73-13.
In an under-19 match, HMTHS will host a tough Holmwood Technical at 2:30 p.m.
