Berisford Codd Jr. ©
Week 5 of the NEBL was headlined by the heavyweight showdown in Dangriga, where the San Pedro Tiger Sharks (4-0) were able to steal a huge road win against previously undefeated Griga Dream Ballers (3-1). San Pedro leaves Dangriga as the NEBL’s only undefeated team, a feat that could mean significantly less with a bad showing in this week’s jam packed schedule. The five game schedule will test the rotation of coaches across the league, as multiple teams will be playing two games within a 3 day span.
The two Belize City teams, the Smart Belize Hurricanes (2-1) and the Digicell Belize City Defenders (2-1), are both seeking to prove themselves as contenders and not pretenders. Both have benefited from a weak schedule in the early portion of the season, as they have each secured wins against the underperforming Orange Walk Running Rebels (0-4) and the reshuffling Verdes (0-4). With the arrival of superstar guard Devin Daly looming for the Hurricanes, they should be more comfortable splitting this week’s games against the Bandits (2-2) and the Dream Ballers, as his presence alone should correct the Hurricanes floor spacing. It will be important for the overall health of the league if both teams continue to be managed well and remain competitive when the Civic Center is open for business…. WE REMAIN OPTIMISTIC….
Thursday (8:30 p.m.) Feb. 22nd 2018 – Belmopan Bandits vs. Smart Belize Hurricanes – UB Gym (live on TNC)
The Belmopan Bandits are coming off two convincing victories against the Defenders and Running Rebels, with Coach Bernie Tarr placing more offensive responsibility on his star import Luther Page. Page has proven to be a versatile offensive weapon, presenting matchup problems for defenders due to his size, mobility and ball handling skills. Bandits center Faron Louriano will be looking to build on his solid performance against the Rebels, where he was very active and efficient throughout the game. The Hurricanes enter this week boasting the league’s best defense, surrendering only 58.67 points per game. Defense will have to carry the Hurricanes in this one, as their offense has struggled due to poor outside shooting and spacing. Look for them to establish their big man Tyson Reynold early in the game and put pressure on the Bandits thin front line.
X-Factor: Paint Control – Faron Louriano vs Tyson Reynold
Friday (9:00 p.m.) Feb 23, 2018- DigiCell Belize City Defenders vs. San Pedro Tiger Sharks – St. Catherine’s Mercy Center (live on TNC)
Last week, the Defenders strung together an impressive 4th quarter performance to pull out the win against Verdes. Coach Troy Gabb showed the ability to make adjustments in game planning, as the Defenders put the clamps on Verdes in the half court. The Defenders front court, led by American Nigel Jones, will have to be extremely disciplined in pick and roll coverage and quick with defensive rotations to end the Tiger Sharks winning streak. San Pedro, sitting atop the standings, has shown great versatility in their offensive attack over the season’s first four games. Last week, they abused the Griga Dream Ballers in the paint (50 points) through penetration and can still trot out line ups with Ashton Edwards and Doug Valley on the wings. It will be interesting to see if Jihad Wright will be in full attack mode once again or will he be bothered by the defense of veteran Ty Bradley.
X-factor: Ty Bradley’s defense against Jihad Wright
Saturday (9:00 p.m.) Feb. 24, 2018 – Verdes vs. Belmopan Bandits – Sacred Heart College Auditorium
Verdes has yet to work out their chemistry issues, as they both introduced new players after two games and changed head coach. American Isiah Thomas has yet to truly feel comfortable with his teammates, as he has struggled with his decision making on when to look for his own shot. Richard Troyer, who has put up good counting stats (16.5 ppg and 12 rpg) must be more efficient with his scoring, as he has only shot 31% in his first two games. The Bandits will be playing their second game of the week after taking on the Hurricanes in Belmopan. Minutes will be available for bench players like Travis Lennan and Jevaughn Mckenzie to find their offensive rhythm and earn more playing time going forward. Expect the Bandits to play through their big men once again to challenge for the road win in Cayo. We shall be watching if Leroy Louriano will be the disrupter that he was in the Defenders game or if he will let his defense be dictated by his scoring.
X-Factor: Leroy Louriano ball pressure on Verdes guards
Saturday (9:00 p.m.) Feb. 24, 2018 – Smart Belize Hurricanes vs. Griga Dream Ballers – Belize Elementary Auditorium
In the Hurricanes second game of the week, they will be taking on a talented Dream Ballers team that is intent on avenging last week’s home loss to the San Pedro Tiger Sharks. The Hurricanes would be well served by taking a page from the Tiger Sharks playbook and attacking the Dream Ballers in high pick and roll, with Akeem Watters and Glency Lopez as primary ball handlers. It will be interesting to observe how Head Coach Jamel Wagner shuffles his rotation for better spacing against the tougher competition. Daniel Nolberto has stepped to the front of the pack as the alpha for Dangriga with his deadeye shooting and lockdown defense serving as his main weapons. Nolberto must receive some help from Daniel Conorque, who only took 5 shots last week, against this tough Hurricanes defense, as they will load up on Nolberto without another aggressive wing. Big man Brandon Flowers must do his part on the defensive backboard, as his energy was lacking when his shot was not falling.
X-Factor: Brandon Flowers’s shot selection
Saturday (9:00 p.m.) Feb. 24, 2018 – San Pedro Tiger Sharks vs. Orange Walk Running Rebels – San Pedro High School
The final game in this week’s jam packed schedule sees the Tiger Sharks, currently undefeated, host the Rebels, currently winless. Raul Roches displayed a deft shooting touch from three, as he knocked down 4 of 6 three point shots against Dangriga. This should open the floor for penetration by the agile Roches and the other Tiger Sharks slashers. Orange Walk has yet to find its identity as a NEBL team. Currently performing as a band of misfits, the Rebels have rotated every possible line up over the four games, as the coaches try to find what sticks. Their first game without Coach Brads was like “night and day”, as the team competed hard defensively but could not locate consistent and efficient scoring.
X- Factor: First quarter start by Raul Roches