by Karim Juan, Commissioner

San Ignacio Town

Sunday, March 12, 2017 

The National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) hosted its third annual All-Star Night on Saturday, March 11 at St. Catherine’s Auditorium in Belize City.  The activities tipped off with the Three Point Shootout, where Cayo Western Ballaz Elvert Ariola was crowned Three Point Champion, as he narrowly edged out Linton Broaster of Smart Belize Hurricanes.  The Slam Dunk contest was the most entertaining in three years, as Shemar White from Orange Walk Running Rebels easily claimed the prize with his dazzling dunks.  In the nightcap, the Imports and Belizean Americans won the All Star game, as they defeated the locals 76 – 74.  The Imports/Belizean Americans were cruising in the first half, leading 24 – 6, and having a 20 point lead in the second quarter. However, a late surge by the local teams made the waning moments interesting, as they mounted a major comeback, behind sharp-shooter Ashton Edwards, who sank 4 three-pointers, and a jump shot, in the final 4 minutes of the game, to quickly evaporate the lead. The scoring run was a little bit too late, giving the Imports/Belizean Americans the first All Star Game victory.