Akeem “The Dream” Kanhai was at his sublime best as he orchestrated a third-quarter 20-6 run that effectively put the game beyond Ravens for a repeat of the Brusche Basketball Foundation’s sixth Classic Championship Saturday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.
Before a fair-sized crowd and after a hesitant first quarter which saw the Ravens nudge ahead 14-12 and lead 28-25, Kanhai was the floor general that put the
MVP Akeem Kanhai centre
game in perspective for the Jets to be the first side to repeat.
As was the case in 2015, Kanhai, who was later named the Most Valuable Player (MVP), was able to fashion his side’s play and open the game with his artistry, allowing his players to gain some easy baskets.
After being behind 25-28, Kanhai went to the basket scoring seven third-quarter points to take the game to the edge for the Jets at 31-30, before they stretched that to a 45-34 lead. From there, it was no turning back for the defending champions and they were able to triumph.
Kanhai had a 17-point game, but was able to grab 11 rebounds and swat away three shots while stealing the ball three times in a fine all-round performance.
Adrian Webster was also effective inside with 10 points and 16 boards, as Neil Simon marked his return with an 11-point game.
In the third-place playoff game, Colts scored an easy win against Royals with a 95-75 victory as Shelroy Thomas topscored with 33 points for the winners. Harold Adams was the top player for Royals with 23 points.
The Jets won $300,000, second-place Ravens collected $200,000 and Colts $100,000 for the win over Royals.
Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation President Nigel Hinds, Linden Amateur Basketball Association Secretary Joseph Chapman and Dennis Clarke were honoured with plaques by the Brusches Basketball Foundation while also honoured were South American Youth Championship Gold Medallist DeShanna Skeet and CARIFTA Games 100m Gold Medallist Compton Caesar.
