MONTEGO BAY, St James - Central Flames opened their Western Basketball Division One schedule with a 62-57 win over last year's beaten finalists Hopewell Vipers in a Hanover derby at the Montego Bay Cricket Club on Sunday.

The come-from-behind win was a consolation for the Lucea based Central Flames, who lost to Vipers in the semi-finals last season.

Montego Bay Cricket Club Knights and Sav Hawks were winners on Saturday as the competition kicked off at the same venue.

On Sunday, Vipers recovered from a slow start to lead 30-23 at half-time and were up 46-36 going into the fourth quarter. However, they wilted under the fourth-quarter assault by the Flames, who outscored them by 13 points.

Julian Walker was the topscorer for Flames with 17 points and seven steals, while Sheldon Myrie scored 14 points, Alrick Haughton contributed 13, while Craig Dorman scored 12 points for the winners.

Dwight Reid had a game-high 20 points for Vipers in their losing effort, while Gavin Forbes scored 10 points and had 10 rebounds and Graville Smith also scored 10 points.


By PAUL A REID, Observer writer.