North, Lodge make emphatic statements

May 11, 2009 Sports

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…separate front-runners from minnows

By Edison Jefford

It was identified as Guyana’s playoff from the introduction and on a night that the Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony’s dominance continued in the NBA, similar statements were being made at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

As King James, as he is known and ‘Melo’, the soubriquet for Anthony, were leading the Cavaliers and Nuggets to unassailable 3–0 leads in the NBA, North Ruimveldt and Lodge meant to also embarrass their opponents.

Defending Inter–Ward basketball champions, North and past runner–ups, Lodge ensured that the message of the 2009 tournament leaders were clearly and clinically communicated when they raced to emphatic wins Saturday night.

North Ruimveldt and Lodge/Meadowbrook had one thing in common: they both thrashed their opponents with similar margins. North blew away Republic Park/Mocha 85–55 and Lodge thumped McDoom/Houston 85–63 in game two.

With the services of one of Guyana’s international players, Andrew ‘Mr. Dunk’ Ifill, the defending champions played at a comfortable and assured pace throughout the game like they were expected to ward off the minnows.

The team were never under threat, leading 33–27 at halftime and taking an unassailable and commanding 61–40 edge after the penultimate quarter. The game became Showtime in the final quarter as Ifill entertained enthusiasts.

The overseas–based ball player got a lobbed assist from point guard Darcel Harris that he collected in the air to complete a beautiful ally–hoop dunk that sent patrons in the arena into a frenzy. It was the first of many Ifill dunks.

At the end of the game, the top athlete had amassed 26 points, 15 rebounds and 7 steals in an excellent all round performance. Younger brother, Joel Ifill had the second of the three double–doubles for the championship team.

Joel had 17 points with 10 ‘boards’ while national forward, Damian Liverpool scored 16 points and had an astounding 18 rebounds. Guest player, Linden and Pistons’, Quincy Jones also got on the score sheets with 13 points.

The opposing Republic Park showed some resistance in the first quarter when North held a mere 14–10 lead but the efforts of national player, Trevor Profitt needed support from a young brigade that obviously lacked experience.

Profitt tried his best but that was not good enough. He scored 28 points and grabbed eight rebounds with eight steals on his team’s exit from the competition. Khalid Dawud scored 10 points in a fighting effort but that could not suffice.

The final game produced a more spirited effort from minnows, McDoom after showing a few threatening signs at intervals. On one such occasion, the highflying Tyrone Hamid swept an attempt out the paint in a huge block shot.

The occurrence seemed to motivate the team and after the third period, McDoom still had a chance with Lodge leading 52-46 heading to the final quarter. However, the grit that got them so close evaporated in ten minutes of basketball.

Lodge increased their defensive pressure, attacking the ball from mid–court and forcing a lot of unnecessary turnovers that were easily converted on the offensive end. In a twinkle of an eye, Lodge had raced to definite advancement.

Triston Tulloch hurt

McDoom the most with his pesky presence on the court and activity on the ball. He also had a high percentage of three–point shots that allowed his team to stay comfortably ahead throughout the last quarter.

At the end of the game, Drumson McCulley, who obviously refused an offer on Melanie’s outfit for the tournament, led Lodge on offence and defence with 19 points and 11 boards for a double while Fabian Johnson had 13 points.

Tulloch finished with 12 points and five rebounds as the former finalists followed in their predecessor’s large footsteps.

It was a statement akin to championship teams that separate ‘sheep from goats’ from the inception of games.

McDoom were forced into a corner in the earlier stages of the game and had no choice but to turn to their three junior national and All–star players, Jermaine Slater at the bottom, Travis Burnett at point and dunk champion, Hamid.

The three players played for most of the 40 minutes with rest in between quarters and at halftime. Slater had 21 points with as many rebounds, Hamid finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds while Burnett scored 12 points.

The winner of the competition takes home a whopping $500,000 and a White Castle Fish Shop trophy.

Second place gets the Humphrey Bakery–sponsored trophy and $300,000 while the third place cannons $100,000 in cash.

Curtains and Drapes Design sponsors the third place trophy while fourth place receives $50,000 and a Kevin Reflections trophy. Fusion Audio will entertain guests at the venue on game nights following a 7pm commencement.

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