Looking Ahead: NEBL Week 5 Preview

Berisford Codd Jr. ©

Week 4 of the NEBL is now in the books and fans across Belize are left with more questions than answers! With a quarter of the season now complete, the San Pedro Tiger (3-0) sit atop the standings after dismantling the Belmopan Bandits (1-2), Verdes Basketball (0-3) and the Smart Belize Hurricanes (2-1). The Dangriga Dream Ballers (3-0) have been as impressive in its three games, winning by an average of 16 points per game.

After an ugly performance in San Pedro, the Smart Belize Hurricanes bounced back in a big way by defeating the Orange Walk Running Rebels 72-53. The Hurricanes finally returned to their vaunted defence by limiting the Running Rebels to only 30% shooting from the field. While the Hurricanes shot an impressive 56% from the field, their lack of perimeter shooting was on full display yet again. Through three games, the Hurricanes have only connected on 6 of 38 three point attempts for 15.8%, a glaringly low mark that signals that teams will begin packing the paint against the Hurricanes size and slashing. Coach Wagner may have to locate some extra minutes at the small forward spot for young Marcus Lewis, who is responsible for half of the Hurricanes three point makes while only playing 9 minutes per game.

With the Hurricanes out of the way, let’s take a look at this week’s action!

Verdes Basketball vs Digicell Belize City Defenders – Sacred Heart Auditorium, San Ignacio – February 16, 2018 …. Tip off at 9:00 pm (Televised on TNC10)

Verdes Basketball (0-3) will be looking to secure its first win this Friday in San Ignacio, as they host the Digicell Belize City Defenders (1-1) in this week’s nationally televised matchup. After parting ways with Head Coach Matthew Smiling and beefing up its roster, Verdes is looking to restart its trajectory and make a serious run towards the playoffs. The additions to the roster, Belizeans Gene Myvett and Richard Troyer and American Isiah Thomas, all made an immediate impact in last week’s tough loss to the Dangriga Dream Ballers. Thomas was especially impressive given that he had not shared the court with any of his teammates before. He finished the game with 24 points and 5 assists, though the lack of chemistry showed with Thomas committing 7 turnovers. Verdes may have discovered a gem in young Darnell “Shabba” Oden. The young big man displayed impressive quickness and finishing ability around the rim to finish with 10 points and 6 rebounds in his first NEBL game. With a full week of practice time under their belt, look for Verdes to put together another impressive showing for their home fans.

The Defenders, who play their first road game of the season, will be looking to recover from that major gut punch suffered at the hands of Luther Page and the Belmopan Bandits. After running the Orange Walk Running Rebels out of the gym in their home opener (104-76), the Defenders were both outplayed and outcoached by the Bandits. Captain Darwin “Puppy Leslie answered the call after his quiet performance in the season opener by dropping a league high 33 points on only 14 shots. His running mate, early MVP candidate Nigel Jones, will be looking to play more inspired basketball against upstart Verdes. Jones posted the quietest 18 point game in NEBL history, as he was often seen disengaged emotionally during the assault from Luther Page. Coach Troy Gabb Jr., who was unceremoniously ejected in the 2nd quarter against the Bandits, shall be paying a close attention to his bench, which has been night (50 points) and day (9 points) in the Defenders opening two games. The game should be there for the Defenders taking if they can locate a consistent third scoring option!

Belmopan Bandits vs Orange Walk Running Rebels – UB Gym, Belmopan– February 16, 2018 …. Tip off at 9:00 pm

Coming of an impressive win against the Defenders, the Bandits (1-2) will be looking to build momentum against the lowly Running Rebels (0-3). Guided by the steady hand of their Captain Stephen “Muerte” Williams, the Bandits now seem poised to enter the conversation as a serious playoff contender. The decision by Coach Tarr to shorten his rotation should pay dividends, as the Bandits will be able to capitalize on the veteran savvy of players like big man Faron Louriano and scoring guard Greg “Chippy” Rudon. Faron, who only managed to score 9 points and pull down 4 rebounds against the Defenders, has only cracked double digits once so far when he scored 23 against the Dream Ballers. Along with a lack of scoring, Faron’s rebounding (7 per game) has continued on a downward trend from his initial NEBL season where he averaged nearly 12 rebounds per game. While his offense has yet to round into midseason form, his defensive activity has remained consistent (1.33 bpg & spg). Look for Faron and the Bandits to try and blitz the Rebels from early and earn key garbage minutes for their bench!

Orange Walk faces the first must win game of the season, both for their record and the devotion of Rebels faithful. The Rebels have been blown off the court in their first three games, losing by an average of 26.33 points per game! It all came crashing down in their third game when a Rebels fan stormed the court to confront the Belize Hurricanes bench, following a confrontation between a Rebels and Hurricanes player. This was emblematic of the frustration throughout the night, a frustration that resulted in the unfortunate release of Head Coach Brads Neal. Now under the guidance of Interim Head Coach Kheen Pelayo, the Rebels will look to reenergize their already distraught fan base. First time Rebel Vince Young is coming off an ice cold 0-9 shooting performance, with both fans and teammates noticeably frustrated with his performance. It will be interesting to see how much leash he will be given by Coach Pelayo, as the Rebels have played at a noticeably faster pace when Orange Walk native Randy Usher has been running the show. The Rebels are definitely the most difficult team to get a read on, so let’s just see if they will play with HEART in Belmopan!

 

Dangriga Dream Ballers vs San Pedro Tiger Sharks – Russell Chiste Garcia Auditorium – Dangriga– February 17, 2018 …. Tip off at 9:00 pm

In the first marquee matchup of the early season, the league’s two remaining undefeated teams will dance in the Culture Capital. The Dream Ballers (3-0) have shown that they are comfortable playing with big leads and managing the pressure of close games. Last week’s comeback victory against Verdes highlighted the ability of the Dream Ballers to lock in defensively and score efficiently in possession basketball. This team looks incredibly motivated and well coached, with the look of a team that believes the season will be a disappointment if they do not bring the title to Dangriga. Belizean American Daniel Conorquie has steadied the Ballers attack by giving them an additional playmaker and shooter to compliment the Captain Edgar “Boogie” Mitchell and Daniel “Buddy” Nolberto. Conorquie and Nolberto will likely be tasked with locking up MVP candidates Ashton Edwards and the versatile Jihad Wright. Both men took on the defensive challenge against Verdes in the second half and conceded only 10 points combined to veteran Richard Troyer and the talented import Isiah Thomas. Look for the Dream Ballers to establish Brandon “Puddy” Flowers on the interior early in the game, as controlling pace will be key in coming away with the victory against the high tempo Tiger Sharks.

After their first break in the schedule, the Tiger Sharks will look to pick up where they left off when they easily handled the cold shooting Hurricanes in San Pedro 73-58. The Tiger Sharks, now playing their third road game, have been beating teams by an average of 18 points, the highest margin in the league. Coach Rico Black, always a hungry and fearless competitor, will have his team ready to face the hostile crowd expected in Dangriga. He will look to get starting point guard Jamal Kelly going from early, as his ability to distribute as a point guard is dependent on his slashing ability to the rim.  Kelly’s ability to get to the basket opens up a new element for the Tiger Sharks offense, which is heavily focused on attacking in transition and from the three point line. It will be interesting to observe the continued progression of big man Martevius Adams. Adams cracked double digit scoring for the first time this season against the Hurricanes, showing off a silky smooth midrange jumper and good foot work in the post. His size will be a big factor the Sharks, especially if he can force Dream Ballers big man Tahj Wells into early foul trouble! Enjoy the Clash of the Titans!!!