By Berisford Codd Jr ©
Maybe it was the desire to put on a show against the team that passed on signing him or simply the desire to maintain the seat atop the league rankings, but Tiger Sharks Jihad Wright played like a man possessed from the tip against the Dangriga Dream Ballers (3-1). Joining Wright in delivering the early season statement to championship contender Dangriga was an ultra-aggressive Jamal Kelly. The duo led the endless onslaught of the Dream Ballers paint, where the Tiger Sharks outscored the Dream Ballers 50-30. This dominance in the paint and the 23-1 advantage in points off turnovers were enough to secure the 85-81 win for San Pedro (4-0).
Dangriga was a welcomed opportunity for Kelly who was coming off a poor showing against the aggressive Hurricanes defense. Kelly, who had as much turnovers as points (6) against the Hurricanes, pushed the Tiger Sharks fast break and navigated the pick and roll all night to his best game since opening night against the Bandits. After the ejection of Head Coach Rico Black and the Tiger Sharks falling behind by 11 with 2:37 remaining in the 2nd, it was Kelly and the energetic reserve Keith Pollard who closed the 11 point lead to go into the half trailing 45-44.
With the noticeable absence of MVP Candidate Ashton Edwards (0 points), Kelly controlled play in the 4th. He closed out the Dream Ballers with 8 points and 2 assists in the fourth to finish with 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists on 50% shooting.
Wright put the entire Russell “Chiste” Garcia Auditorium on notice from the jump by throwing down a massive slam in the first minute of the game. The slam was a sign of things to come, as Wright put on a dazzling display in every facet of the game for the opposition fans. He finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 steals, a performance that will surely shoot Wright up the MVP Watch! The resounding sentiment after the game was “that boy is a beast!”
Though suffering the tough loss, Dangriga may have found its alpha dog in Daniel “Buddy” Nolberto. Buddy provided the offensive punch for much of the game, getting off to a quick start with 13 first quarter points. While Buddy’s impressive offensive performance (24 points on 8 field goals) cemented his spot in the Ballers food chain, it was his defensive work on sharpshooters Doug Valley and Ashton Edwards that will get him noticed on the MVP Watch. His toughness and defensive awareness almost pitched a shutout, as Edwards and Valley combined for only 5 points on 2-12 shooting.
Tasked with the unenviable task of matching up with Jihad Wright, Dream Ballers swing man Daniel Conorque was completely taken out of his offensive rhythm while getting used and abused on the pick and roll by Wright. Conorque finished with a team worse -12 +/- when he was on the floor, only managing to go 1-5 from the field (a three pointer in the first quarter). For the Dream Ballers to come out atop the standings, Conorque must improve his offensive output!
What can we say other than “Winning isn’t everything… it’s the only thing (Vince Lombardi).”
Notes:
- After being reinserted into the starting line-up, Captain Edgar Mitchell responded with a solid 14 point performance. While solid, Mitchell has been implored by Dream Ballers management to seek his shot more aggressively in the half court. An 88% shooter from the line, Mitchell failed to attempt a single free throw in the loss to San Pedro. Expect to see Mitchell attack the pressure defense of the Hurricanes in the Ballers next game.
- San Pedro Tiger Sharks will be on the road this back to back games on the 23rd and 24th against the Digicell Belize City Defenders and the Orange Walk Running Rebels.
- Dangriga will have a chance to get back in the win column as they visit the Smart Belize Hurricanes this Saturday February 24th.