HOOPERS CAST ASIDE JAGUARS TO TAKE PRESIDENT’S CUP

Hoopers were just too hot to handle in the Western Basketball Association Trojan Condoms/Pharmaton President’s Cup Knockout finale on Saturday evening. Hoopers edged the resilient and fighting Granville Jaguars 93-80 in an exciting high scoring encounter.

Jaguars if you recall, tore apart every league, every team they faced this season, well actually, up on till this point. Both teams have been talking a lot of smack to gain some psychological advantage prior to this all important game. Thus, setting the stage to prove which team would be crowned champions and the title of “Best in the West.”

It was a game of three close quarters, as both teams traded baskets evenly. Leroy “Slenko” Lawrence proved to be an unstoppable giant in the paint as he caused headaches for Hoopers’ big men. It was his night to shine as he scored 12 points in the first half. Two quick consecutive steals by Ryan Bolt and Omar Bell led to 4 successive points on the fast break for Hoopers, who ended the first period with a 19-11 lead.

Huwayne Blake opened the scoring for Jaguars in the second period with a floater in the lane, to creep up on Hoopers lead, but their opponents never cowered to the pressure ended the second term 41-33 leaders.

The two finalists started the third period all guns firing and amassed 47 total points. Lawrence continued where he left off, responding with his inside scoring and strong shooting from the perimeter, scoring a total of 10 points. Lawrence was just exciting to watch as he supported his teammates misfiring as he caught several in mid-air slamming tem home with authority much to the delight of the crowded stands. On the other hand, Hoopers’ were not to be out done as two guard Bell with several long range bombs to maintain his teams 64-57 cushion.

While Granville outscored Hoopers in the third period (24-23), their energy seemed spent upon resumption of the game. The same team that battled toe-to-toe in the three earlier stages showed signs of fatigue. As a result the eventual champions capitalized and never look back. Bell led his team with 21 points and 3 assists, while Bolt looked good with his 20 points contribution and captain Andrae Morgan with 19 points and three rebounds paced Hoopers to victory. Lawrence scored game and team high 28 points along with 9 rebounds in a losing effort for Jaguars.  He was supported by Huwayne Blake (25 points) along with 3 boards.

Blake was unanimously voted as the Most Outstanding Player for the entire tournament, scoring a record 176 points in six games at record average of 22.7 points per game.

Hoopers now gets to add this their second trophy to their trophy case. If you recall Hoopers defeated Avalanche to win the Mid-season finals back in May of this year.

By Khurt Comrie for WBA Media.