Hoops! Oops! Disappointing turn out

It has finally started. The long awaited Central Zone of the National Basketball Tournament began last Sunday afternoon at the New Montrose Hardcourt, but to a major disappointment, as only two of the nine registered teams showed up for the March Past.{{more}}

Persistent rain was blamed for the no show of several of the teams.

But President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Basketball Federation Wayne Williams was not prepared to buy that excuse, as according to him, the tournament was long in coming.

Investigations made by SEARCHLIGHT unearthed that some of the teams are still in a state of unpreparedness, especially with regard to uniforms.

Chairman of the Central Zone Committee Karel Bramble later told SEARCHLIGHT that he personally was disappointed with the poor turn out, but said that any punitive actions, if any, must be decided by his executive body.

He, however, was lenient with the teams, granted the prevailing weather conditions.

Bramble is anticipating a good, competitive tournament, which he said is expected to culminate during the course of next month.

This no show forced organisers to shelve the planned Ballarama competition.

In its place, an exhibition match between the two teams that turned up at the venue, Sion Hill Pacers and Advent Ballers, ensured that some on court action took place.

Sion Hill was leading 50-25 when a heavy downpour ended proceedings, with just over seven minutes in the last quarter left.

And, those present saw one of the latest amendments to the sport, the use of three on court officials.

The Zonal championships were eventually conceptualised after several attempts to stage a nation wide championship never came to fruition.

Instead, zonal championships, that is the Central Leeward, Windward and Grenadines are to be held, with the two top teams from each of the two divisions from the zones entering into a play off to determine the national Premier and First Division champions.

The Central Zone sees Ball Dawgz, Calliaqua United, Deuce Boyz, Ghetto Stars and Hairoun Hardcore battling for championship honours in the Premier Division.

Advent Ballers, Sion Hill Pacers, Mavericks, Dr. JP Eustace Memorial and Glen United compete in the First Division.

The competition gets off in earnest tonight at the New Montrose Hardcourt, with matches also scheduled for Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays.

It is expected that most nights will see double headers being staged.

Amanda Toby of the organizing committee told SEARCHLIGHT that Tuesdays and Thursdays are set aside to upgrade the officiating, with workshops planned for referees and table officials.