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Plaisance Guardians test authenticity against formidable Ravens
– Mackeson Mecca III Super Eight continues tonight
By Edison Jefford
Plaisance Guardians will test its resolve against a formidable Dyna’s Ravens in the feature game of the National Basketball Championships: Mackeson Road to Mecca III Super Eight at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, beginning at 9:00pm tonight.
Nikkoloi Smith dropped 29 points to help Guardians unravel Nets in their first game, but his solo efforts will not be enough against Ravens, which is more about team work. Smith needs the help that he can get while he has to also facilitate when necessary.
Veteran guard, Enoch Mathews fitted well into the offence along with Trenton Woolford, Marlon Chesney and John Campbell. Forward, Mark Richards was on the score sheet in the first game as well, which is a good sign for the fledging Plaisance Guardians.
The point is no one man show cannot beat Ravens – the 2014 Champions. It will take much more and Andrew Hercules knows that very well. Plaisance comes into the game on a high note after it played in the Division I Final of the Georgetown League.
Ravens with its up-court and up-tempo offence will be a definite challenge. Dominic Vincente is among the best in the backcourt along with Ryan Stephney. Support comes from its similar front court that features Jermaine Slater and swingman, Ryan Gullen.
What is certain is that both teams are leaders in the game: Plaisance with its strong support base on the East Coast and Ravens with its trendy culture. Tonight’s epic showdown will determine if Plaisance’s ascendency is authentic. Darcel Harris has returned to the court to ensure that Ravens remain relevant – it is a big game for all these reasons.
But before, there is another grudge contest; Pepsi Sonics take on Colts United. Both teams have been knocking on the door of major titles, but never turning the latch. But tonight, either of them will move forward to tomorrow night’s Final Four.
Guard, Jason Squires has been enjoying a good season. His prolific scoring makes Sonics one of the teams to beat in that group, but he also needs help. Trevor Smith has not been at his best, and the middle is fragile for Pepsi Sonics with Earl O’Neil shouldering all the weight. It comes down to who has the better bench.
In that regard, Colts have the advantage over Sonics with a more established structure. The guards, Dave Causway, Shelroy Thomas, Rayon Cummings and Kurt English; junior swingman, Stanton Rose, gives Colts an impressive backcourt.
Colts’ centre, Shane Webster is a one-man army in the middle. His support comes from forward, Nicko Fraser, but truth be told, the strong and lanky Webster needs no support in the paint. He is another problem for Sonics that will have to dig deep tonight.
All the games will feature halftime entertainment with models, cheerleaders and artistes that also includes giveaways for patrons. Kirk ‘Chow Pow’ Jardine has been the host. The winning team will pocket $500,000 while second place will go home with $250,000, third $150,000 and fourth $100,000 respectively.
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