Colts, Pacesetters open GABA Legacy with wins

The Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) Legacy Knockout Tournament got underway at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Wednesday night with two competitive opening-round matchups, as the Colts and Pacesetters emerged victorious in the Under-23 and Senior divisions, respectively.

Colts Hold Off Eagles in U-23 Opener
The Under-23 Division tipped off the tournament with the Colts defeating the Eagles 75–69 in a hard-fought contest.
The Colts established an early advantage and maintained control through much of the opening stages. The Eagles responded strongly in the third quarter, finding their rhythm and cutting into the deficit.
The Colts, however, remained composed down the stretch and held on for the six-point victory.
KimoL Grimmond led the Colts with 24 points, while Carmelo Mansohing added 17. Jaden Simon contributed 13, with Domitre Rankin scoring 12 and Kellon Phillips adding nine.
For the Eagles, Gevon Ross paced the scoring with 17 points. Derron Venture and Leandre Abrams scored 11 points each. Alafin Joseph scored 10, while Brandon McKay finished with seven.
Pacesetters Rally Past Mambas
The night’s Senior Division encounter provided another closely contested battle, with the Pacesetters overcoming the Mambas 71–65.
The Pacesetters controlled much of the game and built a steady lead, but the Mambas fought back during the fourth quarter to make the finish competitive. The Pacesetters ultimately held their nerve to secure a six-point victory.
Jared Sears led the Pacesetters with 13 points, followed by Nathan Samuels with 12. Tafawa Daly and Jaheel Duke each contributed eight, while Troy David also scored eight.
The Mambas were led by Jether Harris, who scored 14 points. Jafar Gibbons added 12, Mourad Belhachan scored nine, and Judah Stephany and Shayne Joseph contributed seven apiece.
With two entertaining games setting the tone, the GABA Legacy Knockout Tournament continues its campaign under the banner of community, development and opportunity, with teams in both divisions looking to advance through the competition.