Unbeaten Herbert Morrison Technical High School (HMTHS) sent a strong message in the under-16 ISSA Rural Schoolboy Basketball semi-finals, whipping York Castle High 85-44 in the opening game of their best-of-three series at Herbert Morrison court yesterday.
Led by a dominant all-around performance from Shamar Russell, Herbert Morrison showed no mercy, powering their way to a commanding Game One victory.
“We were aggressive and were good defensively. We had a few stops and disrupted our opponents’ game plan. We have a solid team and have been working hard, so I am confident we will take Game Two,” said Levar Rose, coach of HMTHS.
“The game was fun, but it wasn’t that competitive or challenging because York Castle are revamping and starting a new programme with a new coach. We are a more seasoned team, so we had the upper hand over our opponents,” added Rose.
HMTHS scored over 20 points in all the quarters. The game was over before halftime as HMTHS took a 21-4 first-quarter lead before extending the lead to 22-8 at the half. By the end of the third quarter, there was no coming back for York Castle, with HMTHS outscoring them 21-16 and in The fourth quarter, 21-15, to cement the win.
Meanwhile, Peter Morgan, coach of York Castle, said despite the initial success in fustrating the opponents, his team struggled offensively.
“Our objective was really to neutralise Herbert Morrison with our defensive mechanisms. In the first quarter, we frustrated them, the system that they normally use. They got frustrated, and they realised that we came defensively, but our boys, they were a bit reluctant offensively, and it led to our loss,” said Morgan.
“I still believe that we have the ability to beat Herbert Morrison regardless of the circumstances.”
Russell scored 22 points, pulled down seven rebounds, and had six steals, while teammates Tyler Linton scored 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Rafael Stephenson also chipped in with 10 points, two rebounds, and five steals.
York Castle’s Richard Brock scored 17 points, five rebounds, four blocks, and three assists, while Kelaughn Grant knocked down 12 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks.
HMTHS will now look to close out their series when action resumes on Thursday at York Castle, while York Castle will need to win to keep their season alive.
