Arawak Braves U21 team behind big offensive games by Andi Daniel and Chadd Greaves and a solid defensive team effort won their first game in the competition. The warriors are no easy walk overs as their team is made up of players from the Garrison school championship team and a few even play in the division three competition. They are from a lively bball area so to defeat them would take a big effort.
The starting five of Darren Small, Damian Bovell, Chadd Greaves, Demario Prescod and Jamal Thompson started quietly. They ran their offensive set to perfection and created easy offence. It was the defence, however, that was creating the greatest headace for the Warriors. They had to work hard to get their points. They were able to score off the turnovers of the Braves. This helped to keep the score line close in the first two quarters.
Andi Daniel was back from his trip to have his first game and how important that turned to be. He combined well with Damian and provided an extra rebounder. Darren started with a couple of turnovers but settled down to play well on the defensive side. Chadd on the other hand was having a hard time and was very indecisive. The perimeter players moved the ball around and put the ball inside very often for easy baskts. Then Damian picked up his fourth foul with 6 sec left in the second quarter. The half ended with Arawak Braves on 23 and the Warriors on 21.
The Braves started the third quarter without their inspirational Captain and they seemed determined to do well. The Warriors switch to a man to man which Braves took some time to handle. Jamal (mouse) Thompson stepped up and created some offence by attacking the key and dishing off to open players. This seemed to inspire Andi and Chadd because all of a sudden these two players became ignited and the Warriors for a little while could not stop these from scoring. This forced the Warriors to go to a full court press which caused a little panic in the Braves camp but with the reintroduction of their Captain they settled and held on for their first win of the competition. The score ended Braves 56 and Warriors 53. WELL PLAYED BRAVES.
GAME STATS….22 OF 65 FIELD GOALS….9 OF 23 FREE THROWS….1OF 6 3POINT SHOTS.
32 DEF REB….13 OFF REB….30 TURNOVERS…..10 ASSIT….11 STEALS…4 BLK SHOTS.
