On the other hand, Tuesday’s game could see the Rams Hitters being crowned champions for the 19th time, if they win. Hitters are hoping to extend their record as the team that has won the most championships in the St. Kitts Amateur Basketball League.
It was game three and the match was being played at the Grell Hull- Stevens Netball Complex in Nevis and the Nevisian crowd turned out in their numbers to support home team CG Rebels.
Interestingly, The Ram’s Hitters did not intend to be outdone off the court either. It took two boats to transport supporters from St. Kitts, over to Nevis, to witness the much anticipated game.
There was electricity in the atmosphere, at the sporting complex, with fans from both ends of the Federation all pumped up for the battle that was ahead between the two top teams for the 2010 season.
What was interesting though was the pre-interview done with both coaches. Rebels Coach Gene Amory told miyvue.com that their game plan was the same as the one they had for game one, which won them that encounter.
On another note, Hitters Coach, James “Barman” Hanley told us that his plan was that of game two, which won them that game. No need to wonder which plan worked though, because after the fourth quarter, the score reflected Rams Hitters 77 to Cotton Ground Rebels 54. A whopping 23 point “Blow Out”.
At the blow of the whistle for the first quarter, Rebels was off and running with a two point lay-up. Was this sending a message? In the previous two games, the team that scored first had won the game. Hitters responded quickly and thereafter the exchanges were fast and furious.
Rebels however, started to show some evidence of ‘nerves’ in front of the home crowd, allowing a few needless turnovers and missing a number of shots. However, much to the relief of the home fans, they ended the first quarter with a slender lead: 12 to 10 in their favour.
The Hitters returned to the court in the second quarter with obvious renewed energy. It was as if they had been bitten by fire ants. The combination of Captain Marlon ‘Jah Love’ Powell driving down the middle with his long locks flying in the breeze; the experienced Trevor ‘Marty’ Huggins waiting unmarked outside the circle, waiting to sink another three pointer and the excitable and energetic ‘Fluffy’, the youngest player on the court, was too much for the Rebels. They had no answer to the onslaught. The second quarter ended with Hitters leading 33 to 24. By then the Rebels looked deflated.
The third quarter was much the same. There were glimpses of hope as the Cotton Ground players made a few dynamic plays of their own, including a three pointer from Everson Webbe which really brought the crowd to its feet, but they were not consistent. Too many missed shots and this was hurting them in a big way. The third quarter ended with Hitters maintaining a 13 point lead and the CG Rebels fans still thinking that there was hope yet.
The body language as the teams entered the court for the 4th quarter virtually said it all. The Hitters were bubbling as they came on for the final onslaught, but the Rebels looked beaten and out of it. That’s exactly the way the teams played. It was the ‘show off’ quarter for the Hitters. They totally dominated this one. As the minutes ticked away, it was obvious that the Cotton Ground Rebels had given up the ghost.
Rams Hitters now leads the series 2 to 1 in the best of five games, but the Rebels coach Amory is promising that it is not yet all over. “The proverbial fat lady has not even shown up as yet”, he told miyvue.com after game three.
Tuesday, 26th October is game four, which will be played as Basketball City, Basseterre, St. Kitts. If Hitters fail to win their 19th championship on their home court, then it’s back to Nevis, to settle the score in a game five.