ALL will be on the line today at Campion College as the kings of senior schoolboys basketball in the Corporate Area will be crowned. The home team, the defending champions Campion, will go up against St George’s College in the deciding match of the best of three finals in the ISSA Urban Under-19 Schoolboy competition starting at 3 p.m.
An intriguing battle is expected, with the score locked at 1-1 after both teams secured wins on their opponent’s court. In the first game of the series, the Clifford Brown-coached St George’s got by their opponents 64-62. However, the Ryan Martell-coached Campion spoiled the home team’s party, winning 72-65 to force a decisive Game Three.
After a near-flawless season, with their only defeat coming in that overtime loss at home, Campion will be hoping to atone for that setback and celebrate victory on their home court as they look to make it back-to-back titles.
Their charge will be led by Zachary Lawrence-Smith, who has been outstanding all season, along with Ryeem Martell, son of the coach.
Coach Martell was happy with his team’s away win to even the series and is looking forward to going all the way today.
“We were happy for the win, which levelled the series. As we head home for Game Three, we are in high gear after preparing for the task ahead. It is our intention to finish the season on a high by securing the victory at home,” said Martell after his team’s sensational win.
After beating the defending champions on their home court to take a 1-0 lead, coach Brown knows it was an opportunity lost to wrap up the series at home, where they allowed their opponents back into the tie. He also knows that this time around, it will be more difficult to get past a Campion team that was outstanding in their last outing.
“Only a win will do. It is do-or-die time for us. There will be no tomorrow. It’s a huge task, but we are prepared for it,” said Brown, who is hoping the likes of Imani Salmon and Jonathon Forbes will deliver big performances in helping to bring the title, which they last won in 2022, back to North Street.
