Friday, January 27, 2017
by Karim Juan
NEBL Commissioner
On Friday night, Dangriga Dream Ballers hosted their first home game for this season, and their first home game with the new management. The Ecumenical High School Auditorium was pulsating with the Garifuna drums and the Sweet Pain Band, while approximately 800 fans had the stadium packed to capacity. The home team jumped out to an early 33-19 lead, which they were able to extend to 16 points in the second quarter with their great defense and fluid ball movement. Cayo Western Ballaz was plagued by turnovers in the first half, with limited chemistry and offensive rhythm, while the home squad was fueling on all cylinders on both ends of the court. Darwin “Puppy” Leslie of Cayo Western Ballaz led a short one-man surge to end the first half, to keep the lead manageable to 12 points, 43-31. With the home team maintaining a comfortable double digit lead, and feeding off the loud stadium, Dangriga Dream Ballers were in control of the game. However, in the third quarter, the visiting team mounted an 11 – 0 run in the third quarter to grab a 59 – 58 lead, going into the fourth and final quarter of the game, outscoring the home squad 28 – 15 in the third quarter. With 3 minutes remaining, the game was tied up at 67, but Cayo Western Ballaz went on a 15 – 3 run to seal the 82 – 70 victory over Dangriga Dream Ballers.
Cayo Western Ballaz was led by Darwin “Puppy” Leslie who had the game high with 26 points, to go along with 5 steals and 2 caroms, while Daniel “Buddy” Nolberto tallied 17 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists in the first game against his former team and home squad. Brandon Flowers finished with 13 points and 3 rebounds, while American import James netted 12 points to go with 7 rebounds, including 6 huge points in the final 2 minutes of the game. Richard Troyer scored 10 points to go with 5 rebounds and 2 dishes in his first game back with Cayo Western Ballaz, after sitting out last season. Belizean American import, Dilmore Conorquie was the top scorer for Dangriga Dream Ballers with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. However, he was plagued by turnovers, giving the ball away 10 times in the game. American big man, Tahj Wells, tallied a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, to go with 2 assists and 2 steals while Quinton Bowen also posted a double-double with 12 points and the game high 15 rebounds. Davis Guzman finished the night with 8 points and 6 rebounds.
Dangriga Dream Ballaz led for 28 of the 40 minutes of the game, and they out-rebounded Cayo Western Ballaz 53- 30. They also had a 16 – 10 edge on second chance points and a 22 – 10 scoring advantage off the bench. Dangriga Dream Ballers shot 43% from the field, while Cayo Western Ballaz struggled shooting only 40%.