Final 8 battle for semifinal berths tonight

Rio Indoor Streetball Championships…

Battle lines have been drawn, and the fate of the final 8 teams still in the inaugural Rio Indoor Streetball Championships tournament will be decided this evening when the quarter-final round kicks off at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue to determine the final 4 teams to contest the semi-final round.
The four matches programmed for the evening are expected to awe the large gathering that is expected to descend on the venue to witness the thrilling action.
Tournament hosts and proverbial dark horse Rio All-Stars will open the night’s proceedings in a match against Future Stars from 20:00hrs. Rio All-Stars, who possess quality players in Andrew Murray, Jermin Junior, Job Caesar and Kelsey Benjamin, will fancy their chances of progressing to the semifinal round.
However, standing in their way will be the quartet of Kevin Cummings, Keron Solomon, Jamal Cozier and Rondell Bowman of the Future Stars; and speculation is rife as to which team will emerge winner.
A major rivalry will be revisited in the second match, which starts from 21:00hrs. Gold is Money take aim at Leopold Street, and will depend on the expertise of Randolph Wagner, Jamal Pedro, Keifer Brandt and Phillip Rowley to shift the balance in their favour; while Darren Benjamin, Carl Tudor, Mark Jhalu and Okeene Fraser will be tasked with ensuring a Leopold Street win.
In the third match, National heavyweights Sparta Boss oppose the pride of the East Coast of Demerara: Beterverwagting, aka BV, from 22:00hrs. Considered among the favourites in this event, the East La Penitence boys will be expected to repel the challenge of their opponents. Leading their charge will be the star-studded cast of Gregory Richardson, Sheldon Shepherd, Eusi Phillips and Ryan Hackett.
The final match of the evening can be described as a virtual final: Bent Street will be locking horns with Back Circle from 23:00hrs.
Many pundits consider Bent Street the safe choice for a team appearing in the final because of their plethora of national team players, such as Daniel Wilson, Clive Nobrega, Pernell Schultz, Akel Clarke and William Europe.
However, Back Circle are giants in their own right, and with the fate of the entire East Ruimveldt community on their shoulders, a clinical showing will be expected from the quintet of Selwyn Williams, Stephon McLean, Jermin Beckles, Delon Kelly, and surprise package Trayon Bobb.
According to an official release from tournament coordinator Three Peat Promotions, “The excitement and anticipation in the air and within the respective communities cannot be described. The teams are well oiled and geared to produce thrilling action, which will certainly entertain and provide drama for the large spectatorship.”
The release further said, “This level of preparation and anticipation certainly bodes well for the remainder of the knockout section, as the teams are desperate for a place in the final four and a chance at the coveted prize of one million dollars. Once again, we have to thank the sponsors for coming on board and making this a reality, which is certainly a blessing for the players, who deserve the recognition for their efforts throughout the years.”
The correspondence added, “The fans must also be commended for their unwavering support during this period, because, without them, the format would not have grown in this exponential manner, and would not have provided the platform for players to be compensated for their talents. Fans and players are of similar importance as sponsors.”
The release concluded thus: “Finally, the lawmen must also be praised for their contributions in making the tournament incident-free by carrying out their duties admirably. They have provided the requisite security needed to allow for an enabling environment for officials, spectators and players.”
The grand finale of this tournament is slated for December 14th at the same venue.