Royals brush aside Raiders 96-56 to reach semi-finals

The pre-tournament favourites from Georgetown and Linden eased through to the semi-finals when the Sixth Brusches Classic Invitational basketball tournament got started Saturday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.

In the opening games, Colts brushed aside Pepsi Sonics 71-52 and Victory Valley Royals cruised past Retrieve Raiders by a whopping 40 points, 96-56.
Specifically back for this biennial championship are the Brusche brothers James and Mike and Auric Tappin, all past outstanding national players, while also in attendance were major sponsor Monty “Tanner” Profitt, Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation President Nigel Hinds and Linden Amateur Basketball Association President Lawrence Simon. Hinds Financial Services is also a part sponsor of the tournament.
Playing in the first game, Colts turned back the challenge from Pepsi Sonics, overpowering their opponents 71-52 after trailing 14-17 when the first period ended.
However, the Colts quickly asserted their game and from a 22-15 run, would be ahead 36-32 when the half-time whistle came. Another 19-10 run by the Colts would propel them into a 55-42 advantage as they galloped home finally with the win, 71-52, led by Dennis Niles’ top score of 16 points to go with seven rebounds and two steals, as their captain Shelroy Thomas with 13 and Shane Webster with 12 spread the floor for the winners.
M Richards and D Lewis each with 13 had the top scores for the losing Sonics.
In the match between the Linden sides, Victory Valley Royals showed their form this season remained intact with a 96-56 crushing of Retrieve Raiders. This was set in motion as the Royals opened a 17-13 first-quarter lead to a 45-27 game at half time. They then turned up their game and were flowing at 68-37 before they recorded an easy victory by a 40-point margin.
Leading their charge was their captain and shooting guard Chris Williams, with a top score of 20 points with five rebounds and two assists while Alwyn Rodney returned with a good 19-point performance as Harold Adams contributed 17 points, five steals and a similar number of assists and two blocked shots and Trevor Profitt chipped in with 13 points.
Omally Sampson fought inside to get 16 points for the Raiders while Alexander Rose added 14 points and Duel Montrose contributed 13 points, four rebounds and three assists in a losing cause.
Sunday night, Half Mile Bulls and Amelia’s Ward Jets faced off while Plaisance Guardians and Ravens played in the next game.