by Charleston Gladden
San Pedro Tiger Sharks: 1
Record: 8-2
PPG: 83.1 (1) OPG: 77.3 (4)
After two disappointing season where Coach Rico Black took his team to the finals and lost, he is more than determined to be back in the finals in early June to try and win his third championship in five NEBL Seasons. The acquisition of Import Martevuius Adams has paid dividends for the Sharks, as he has established himself as the team’s leading scorer at 17.1 PPG and has become the league’s deadliest offensive mismatch. After coming off the bench for most of his NEBL career, Jamal Kelly continues to prove himself to Coach Rico that he can lead and be a major scoring option for this team with 10.9 PPG.
Griga Dream Ballers: 2
Record: 8-1
PPG: 77 (4) OPG: 69.1 (2)
This year’s version of the Dangriga team has been unlike any in NEBL history, but is it just all hype? Dangriga has yet to discover its true playoff form, failing to reach the finals in any NEBL season. Edgar Mitchell’s return back to his roots after a Championship season with the Belmopan Bandits has injected new life into the franchise. He has continued to trend upward as the league’s best point guard, showing he is more than ready to lead this Dangriga team to a championship. Over his last three games, he has averaged 12 points, 7.3 assists, and 7.6 rebounds. Mitchell has been reunited with his old running mate Daniel Nolberto. Nolberto, who is having a career season in scoring with 17.8 PPG, has quieted all doubters by showing that he perform with another ball dominant player in the backcourt. Griga certainly looks like a championship contender!
DigiCell Belize City Defenders: 3
Record: 5-3
PPG: 83.2 (5) OPG: 73 (3)
With 3x NEBL Champion and 2x Finals MVP Darwin Leslie joining the team after a frustrating season with then Cayo Western Ballaz now Verdes, the rebranded Defenders were set to make a splash in this year’s season from the jump. Joining forces alongside him is his former teammates Leon Williams, Ty Bradley, and Brandon Rogers with his brother Jacob Leslie coming back as the designated sniper from deep. The young Troy Gabb Jr took on the coaching role and has done exceptionally well with the talent that has been presented to him. Importing Nigel Jones who has been nothing but a tremendous force for them while leading the league in scoring with 22.5 PPG gives the Defenders a punchers chance at going all the way. Being the underdogs, as a new franchise, this season, they have clearly proved that they can be hold their own against any team in the league.
Smart Belize Hurricanes: 4
Record: 5-3
PPG: 74.2 (6) OPG: 68.8 (1)
After their disappointing rebuilding season, GM Paul Flowers went back to the drawing boarding to form again the Championship team as he once did in 2016. In Free Agency, he managed to sign 2x Defensive Player of the Year and 4x All-Star, Kurt Burgess who has struggled with capturing a NEBL title. Kyle Young, Ray Cruz, Raheem Thurton, and Keith Acosta were excellent key support signing to back up his franchise players in Akeem Watters, Glency Lopez and Brian White. The impending return of 2017 Finals MVP, Devin Daly, should bolster the Hurricanes rotation with a high energy all around star. The depth of the roster and the defensive styling of rookie coach Jamil Wagner should allow the Hurricanes enough opportunities to contend for the finals this season.
Belmopan Bandits: 5
Record: 2-6
PPG: 78.2 (3) OPG: 85.6 (7)
After an unbelievable season, the Belmopan Bandits haven’t been living up to the expectations they gave themselves and their fans. After losing key players such as Edgar Mitchell and Richard Smith III they’ve been struggling to win games. The signing of former Bandits Kyle Pascascio and Travis Lennan alongside new additions Leroy Louriano and Quinton Bowen made the Bandits seemed formidable on paper. Only thing keeping them alive is the play of their foreign import Luther Page who was on the MVP radar in the start of the season with his brilliant performances. The late acquisition of Leon Jacobs may be the last push for the Bandits to claw into a playoff position or remain on the outside looking in with three other teams.
Verdes: 6
Record: 2-6
PPG: 79 (2) OPG: 81.6 (5)
Verdes has underperformed tremendously this season after changing management and team from Cayo Western Ballaz. All arrows point to them ending the disappointing season and missing the playoffs. This Verdes team has relied on the veteran leadership of Richard Troyer who has at times single handedly been carrying his team. Averaging 25.3 points and 8.3 rebounds in his last 3 games. The early acquisition of Isaiah Thomas showed promises that Verdes would be one of the top tier teams, but unfortunately that wasn’t the case. While he scored 24 points and shot 56 percent from the field in his first game, his consistency has been missing throughout the season. Now would be an excellent time for Verdes to find minutes for its younger players.
Orange Walk Running Rebels: 7
Record: 0-9
PPG: 71.6 (7) OPG: 85 (6)
Having the best record in franchise history and missing the playoffs by a single game last season, they haven’t lived up to their expectations in trying to make the playoffs. While in rebuilding mode, the Orange Walk Running Rebels are struggling to win a single game and will be having an early summer. The rookie prospects, Vince Young and Dwayne Cummings, haven’t lived up to their expectations for Orange Walk. James Ewing (17 PPG) and Roger Reneau (12.6 PPG) are the only competitive force for this ball club. Looks as though it will be back to the drawing board for the Rebels in the offseason.