Canje Knights win Berbice Amateur Basketball Association U-19 tournament

Mar 31, 2013 Sports

Canje Knights made their entry to the competitive basketball arena when they stunned their opponents to win the Berbice Amateur Basketball Association (BABA) season opening U19 Inter Club Basketball competition which was played recently in the Ancient County.

Steve Roopnarine receives the winning trophy from donor Kester Edwards as the winning Canje Knights teams enjoy the moment.

Three of the five scheduled teams participated with Rose Hall Town Jammers, New Amsterdam Warriors and the newly formed Canje Knights of East Canje taking to the courts. The tournament which commenced on March 11 concluded on the March 27 with the finals at the New Amsterdam Basketball Court. The tournament which was played on a two rounds, round robin format and was played on a home and away basis, saw two venues being used with matches being played at the Rose Hall Town and the New Amsterdam Basketball Courts.
In the opening game Canje Knights started their campaign in fine fashion as they blow away Rose Hall Jammers 39-16 in a dominating performance from behind the arc and in the paint. Their assault was lead by Steve Roopnarine with 15 points with admirable support from Travis Sutton who bucketed 10. Mikey King had 8 points for the looser.
On the second encounter the Jammers suffered the second successive defeat when they lost to New Amsterdam Warriors 36-31. Glen King scored 10 points, while John Dey had 8. For the Jammers Ramon Fudgeney scored 12 and Shemroy McKenzie 10 points.
Game 3 brought together the two previously unbeaten teams in an eagerly anticipated contest at the New Amsterdam basketball court with the Knights putting on their armor and going to war with the Warriors in a ding dong battle with the Knights shine out in the end in a close encounter which went down all the way to the wire 43-40. The Knights charge was lead by Rayon Emanuel with a game high 16 points with support from Steve Roopnarine and Travis Sutton 10 each. For the Warriors Tito Emanuel scored 12 points and Glen King 10.
In the return encounter, the Canje Knights had an easier path with a 31-26 victory. Travis Sutton with 10 and Rayon Emmanuel with 8 points led the scoring for the Knights, while Quesi Mickle 10 and Glen King 9 were their top scorers.
The next scheduled game saw Rose Hall Jammers gaining a walk over from the New Amsterdam Warriors. The unbeaten Canje Knights continued their merry way by whipping the RHT Jammers 44-28. The consistent Steve Roopnarine was again in top form pouring in a game high 19 points with Kevin Romulus supporting well with 10.
In the final between Canje Knights and RHT Jammers, the Canje Knights proved too much for their hapless opponents jamming them into submission 73-47. The Knights were sharp and shone like a beacon as they swarmed their opponents from jump ball. The Knights forward combination of Travis Sutton and Steve Roopnarine proved too much for their opponents. While their center and guards were also on song with timely interceptions and sweet passing which forced the Jammers into numerous turnovers and easy scoring opportunities for the Knights. The final whistle was a sigh of relief for the laboring Jammers. By the halftime mark the Knights were leading 26-16. Travis Sutton saved his best for last with a game high 23 points with Roopnarine continuing his marquee run with 21. For Jammers, Koby Crawford and Mikey King finished with 16pts each.
At the presentation ceremony the winning Canje Knights team received the championship trophy and cash incentives from donor Kester Edwards, while a trophy and cash incentives were also presented to the losing Jammers team. Edwards also pledged his support for the continuation of the tournament.
In the individual category Steve Roopnarine of Canje Knights was adjudged the MVP, the most improve player was Mikey King, best defensive player Rayon Emanuel. Best emerging player was Glen King.
The BABA would like to express extreme gratitude to Mr. Edwards and his co-workers for sponsoring the tournament and would also like to express thanks to Tito Sancho of the Candy Shop, Surren Mohabir and Floyd Levi for their support.
Before the start of the final a minutes silence was observed for former Berbice player and referee Mr. Hewitt Douglas who passed away recently after a brief illness. (Samuel Whyte)