by Joaquin David Magaña

Last night at the St. Catherine’s Auditorium, the Belize City Defenders (1-0) gave a show to be remembered as they crushed the Orange Walk Running Rebels’ (0-2) as the attempted an invasion of the City! The night in the City started really hot, as both teams exchanged three point blows for numerous consecutive plays throughout the first quarter. The Defenders’ American import, Nigel Jones made his debut on Belizean soil with a three point jumper that shook the Auditorium with the Defenders first blast! Seconds later, Vince Young answered with back-to-back lethal missiles, setting the score to 6 to 3 in favor of the Running Rebels. The game went back and forth with three pointers from Jones, Young and Lincey Lopez – the game was on! The quarter time wasn’t enough for them to settle the beef they have between them. At the end of the quarter, with a dazzling play, Nigel Jones stole the ball from half court, drove it all the way to the hoop and slam dunk it, making the Defenders fans feel all energized! The quarter ended up red habanero style, 26 to 18 in favor of the Belize City Defenders.

Going into the second quarter, things slowed down a little as the blows from the first quarter had placed a toll on both teams. Then unpredictably, the Running Rebels lost concentration and unexpectedly committed turnovers and fouls. From the two unsportsmanlike fouls, the Defenders made three out of the possible six points.  It was in this quarter that the Defenders started gaining momentum and a lead that they would not let go. The Rebels attacked with everything but were too slow in defense. The Rebels seemed to tire, forgetting basic basketball skills, and paid dearly during the onslaught brought on through the quickness and eagerness to score by Francis Arana, and Nigel Jones. By the end of the half, the score was 42 – 32 in favor of the Defenders.

In the third quarter, the end was written. The Defenders were to loose and opened the quarter with an alley hoop that was too high. Nevertheless, they seemed inspired as they took off like Spitfire towards D-Day! Basket after basket went in, while the Rebels mistakes and turnovers continued to plague them. By the end of the quarter, the margin was 72 – 48. In a last heroic stand, the Rebels tried to make a comeback. Randy Usher seemed to have drawn power from the Gods and momentarily lit up like he did in the 2014 season when he averaged 21 points a game. But it was not enough, his four point drive was extinguished with Brandon Rogers’ three pointer followed up by Arana’s steal and score. In the last minutes, the last deep breath taken by the Rebels was when James Ewing power slammed the ball to put the game 97 – 70. The game ended 104 – 76 for the home team.

Both teams are good, but there is always room for improvement. The Defenders should work on becoming more cohesive.  Experience they have, in the hands of players like Darwin Leslie, Leon Williams, Winston Pratt, Jacob Leslie and Ty Bradley; but new comers like Francis Arana and the American Import will need to be consistent. The Rebels could hone their play by controlling their youthful instincts and focusing more on skills and maturity.

The Defenders were led by Nigel Jones with double doubles, 30 pts, 13 rebs, Francis Arana 14 pts, 2 assists, Brandon Rogers 13 pts and Jacob Leslie with 10 pts. In a losing effort, James Ewing scored 17 pts, 5 rebs, 2 assists, Roger Reneau 16 pts, 3 assists, Vince Young with 15 pots and Matthew Youn with 10 pts, 7 rebs.