– champs Colts in action against Bulls
The journey to local basketball supremacy will begin tonight at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) when the fourth edition of Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) ‘Road to Mecca’ tips off from 17:00 hrs.
10 teams from across the country are expected to provide wholesome entertainment for fans, who will be given free entry until the semi-finals rounds.
After the march pass at 15:00 hrs and a performance by Tiffany Bonnet, the action will commence with Dyana’s Ravens coming up against Rose Hall Jammers followed by defending champions Bounty Colts and Half Mile Bulls. The final fixture pits Victory Valley Royals against Plaisance Guardians.
Unlike the previous three editions of the tournament which were contested on a straight knockout, this tournament will have a round-robin stage before the semi-final round.
President of the GABF, Nigel Hinds, declared that the federation will aim to mix quality games with good entertainment as it aims to give fans a complete product with the NBA being the “benchmark”.
There will be two groups of five teams with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the semi-finals. The final is billed for December 24.
Colts , who also holds the title of Georgetown’s best club, will battle the likes of Ravens, Amelia’s Ward Jets, Bulls, and Jammers in Group A while in Group B, Linden’s leading club, Royals, will be joined by last year’s finalist Retrieve Raiders, along with Pacesetters, Guardians and new comers, Kobras.
Last year Colts defeated Raiders 75 – 55 to win the national title. Outstanding junior player Stanton Rose of Colts was deservedly awarded the tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP) award while Dane Kendall also of the Colts walked away with the coach of the tournament award.
Meanwhile, the tournament is being sponsored by Banks DIH Limited under the Coca-Cola Brand. At a simple ceremony at Thirst Park on Thursday Hinds received the cheque from Shenisa Fredericks, Brand Trainee of Banks DIH Limited.
Hinds thanked Banks DIH Limited and Coca-Cola for partnering with the GABF for the yearend tournament.
Banks DIH Limited Communications Manager Troy Peters said his company was delighted to be working closely with GABF to promote the development of basketball in Guyana which will see the participation of clubs representing Upper Demerara, Berbice, East Coast Demerara, East Banks Demerara and Georgetown.
