Despite a magnificent performance from Sonics’ Kirvin Mars, Bounty Colts have joined Meadowbrook Nets at the top of Group A, having secured their inaugural win over Pepsi Sonics on the second day of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation’s (GABF’s) Under-23 Club Championships, held at the National Gymnasium on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024.
The first quarter was dominated by the Bounty Colts despite Pepsi Sonics putting up a fight and managing to covert shots at the basket. As such, the first quarter ended with both teams finishing on a level 16 points.
The second quarter saw many shots being taken at the basket, but the Colts prevailed to extend their lead to 38, as they scored 12 points. Sonics fought back, and at the end of the second quarter, they scored 11 points to take their total to 37.
The Sonics came out hungrier in the third quarter, but the Colts continued to keep their composure and show their class, and the third quarter ended with the scorecard reading 57-55 in their favour. The Colts scored 29 points in that quarter while the Sonics scored 28 points.
The Bounty Colts
Bounty Colts went on to secure the win in the final quarter, with the scoreline reading 90-86. Colts’ Carmelo Man–Son–Hing top-scored for his team with 24 points, and was supported by fellow Captain Ronoko Vaughn and YBG Standout Payer Jadon Simon, as they were persistent in putting the ball through the basket to eventually score 16 points.
Despite appearing diminutive beside the Colts powerhouse, Pepsi Sonics’ Kirvin Mars was a standout as he led the scoring for his team, and dropped 37 points as fellow teammate Shamer Hope contributed 18 points and Marvis Mars 10 points.
In a post-match interview with media operatives, of Bounty Colts Captain Ronoko Vaughn divulged the key to winning and expressed gratitude to his teammates.
He shared, “We rotated the ball. We started off a bit low, but we were able to maintain and get the win also, but the main purpose was because rotation of the ball, playing hard defense. We did a lot. We were lacking on defence, the defence was a bit shaky for us. I mean, as I said, the first quarter the points weren’t going in for us, and then we went out back in the second, coming close in the first; but at the last quarter, we felt like we had the upper hand cause we were in the lead, but we still gotta keep maintain and putting our best foot forward.’”
The league is sponsored by Wilson Plumbing Services and General Supplies, and is supported by the National Sports Commission (NSC).
