Holmwood Technical High School delivered a statement performance on the road, stunning Herbert Morrison Technical High (HMTH) with a convincing 64-46 victory to bring an emphatic end to their unbeaten run in the quarterfinals of the ISSA Under-19 Schoolboy Rural Basketball Competition at the Herbert Morrison Court yesterday.
The result means Holmwood will now turn their attention to the best of three semifinal round, when they meet Knox College. HMTH, meanwhile, will face a tough Manchester High.
In a contest that swung on momentum, Holmwood showed composure down the stretch to show dominance through top player Melvin Ragoo’s 26 points, four rebounds and six steals.
Andrew Brown, coach of Holmwood, attributed the victory to preparation and adjustments made during half-time.
“Coming in, we knew about our opponents and the type of defence that they play, so we were prepared. We started off a bit rough, but made some adjustments. I am really proud of the team, they played with a lot of heart,” said Brown.
“It was a good game and good win for us coming into this tough envivronment,” added Brown.
HMTHS took a 14-11 first-quarter lead, but Holmwood came roaring back to keep the game competitive in the second quarter 16-15 to end the half. In the third quarter, HMTHS then came back to score 13-12 but Holmwood would outscore HMTH 25-4 to win the game.
Meanwhile, Levar Rose, coach of HMTH said it was a disappointing loss and the team didn’t stick to the gameplan.
“The first three quarters we played hard and still had the lead. Unfortunately, we crumbled especially in the fourth. We didn’t show up so our opponents got the better of us. Too many mistakes down the stretch and the shots weren’t going in,” said Rose.
“Our first defeat this season, so it stings a bit but have to just focus on the semifinals and regroup,” added Rose.
The Manchester-based school, competing in rural group two, outclassed their opponents with quick transition play and aggressive defending.
Holmwood’s Denrick Jenkins also added 17 points and four rebounds. HMTH’s Joshua Ferguson score 15 points and two rebounds and Tavaughni Bernard with 12 points, five rebounds and two blocks.
In the U-16, HMTHS kept their perfect record intact after surviving a gritty challenge from Knox College, edging them 66-60 in a thrilling top of the group quarterfinal clash yesterday.
HMTHS were led by Shemar Russell’s 23 points, nine rebounds, three steals and three blocks, while Michael Johnson scored 10 points, six rebounds and two steals.
Darren Richards, captain of Knox College, expressed pride in his team’s efforts and is optimistic about their semifinal prospects.
“I am very happy with how we played today even though we lost. This is the best performance we as a team has ever done this season. We will play even harder and stronger in the semifinals,” said Richards.
When the semifinals begin, HMTHS will face York Castle while Manchester High will face Knox College.
