Ravens, Colts dominate opening of GBF Elite 16 Tournament

Nov 04, 2024 Sports

– Tournament continues November 6

Kaieteur Sports – The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) Elite 16 tournament bounced off with dominating performances by Ravens and Colts, delivering statement wins before an energized crowd at the National Gymnasium.

In the opening game of the tournament, Colts surged ahead with a commanding 32-point win over the New Amsterdam Warriors (88-56), while Ravens soared to a 67-41 victory over the Nets, sending their Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association rivals home in a display of skill and teamwork.

The opener between the Colts and Warriors was an intense start to the tournament, with the Warriors initially holding a narrow lead (19-17) by the end of the first quarter.

However, Colts’ point guard and captain, Shelroy Thomas, quickly took control of the game, rallying his team with an impressive 31 points.

His scoring surge, particularly in the third quarter, widened the gap between the two teams. Colts outpaced the Warriors 35-17 in the penultimate quarter, establishing a commanding 65-45 lead going into the final period.

Despite the Warriors’ efforts, led by Malcolm Mickle with 19 points and Shemar Fraser with 17, they couldn’t keep up with the Colts’ unyielding pace and disciplined defence.

The Colts’ strategy, anchored by Thomas’ skillful playmaking, sent a strong message to the competition that they’re here to take the tournament’s $300,000 first-place prize.

The night’s second game saw the Ravens in complete control against the Nets from jumpball.

With a cohesive and efficient offense, the Ravens built an early lead that only expanded as the game progressed.

Team captain Dominic Vincente scored 12 points, while teammates Nikolai Smith, Terrence Daniels, and Sariah Clarke each contributed 10, showcasing the team’s balanced approach to scoring.

Defensive standout Jude Corlette kept the Nets at bay with his rebounding prowess and relentless blocks, effectively sealing their fate early on.

By halftime, Ravens held a commanding 36-17 lead.

Though the Nets showed a spark in the third quarter, putting up 16 points to Ravens’ 17, they couldn’t make up ground.

Dennis Niles led the Nets with a game-high 15 points, but the Ravens’ collective force proved too much, closing out the game with a 14-8 fourth-quarter run.

With Ravens and Colts advancing, the tournament schedule is set to intensify. On November 6, Eagles will face off against the Guyana Defense Force (GDF), followed by a showdown between Kobras and Block 22 Flames from Linden.

The competition heats up through November, with the semi-finals on November 23, culminating in the grand finale on November 30.

The tournament champion will walk away with $300,000, while second and third place will take home $100,000 and $50,000, respectively.

Additionally, the tournament’s MVP will earn a $25,000 prize in recognition of their standout performance.

Colts, Guyana Basketball Federation, New Amsterdam Warriors, Ravens

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