St George’s to meet Campion in Urban U19 basketball finals

ST George's College are through to the finals of the ISSA Urban Under-19 schoolboy basketball competition after turning back Jamaica College 59-51 yesterday at Jamaica College (JC) to win the semi-final series 2-1.

Defending champions Campion College and St George's will now meet in the under-19 finals while in the under-16 finals, Wolmer's Boys will face JC.

St George's who surprised hosts JC in the opening game of the semi-finals, failed to make that advantage count in the second game on their home court as JC forced a third and deciding game by levelling the series.

In yesterday's decider, JC, with home advantage and seeking to advance two teams to the finals following their under-16 team's win over Campion a few days earlier, were favourites to seal the victory. On the other hand, the Clifford Brown-coached St George's College team were determined to advance after seeing their under-16 team bow out in their third semi-final play-off game against Wolmer's Boys on Monday.

The contest was closely fought in the opening quarter with St George's edging ahead 18-17. They extended that slim advantage at the half-time break to lead 33-30.

Over the next two quarters, the North Street-based St George's did not slip up, maintaining their lead and moving ahead 44-40 at the end of the third quarter.

Cheered on by their vociferous home supporters, the Duane Cunningham-coached JC could not find a way around their opponents as St George's outscored them 15-12 in the final quarter to seal a comfortable eight-point victory.

Alexander Bailey top-scored for the winners with 18 points, while Barrington Davis provided strong support with 14. For JC, Jahlani Jones led the scoring with 22 points and grabbed 20 rebounds, while Oritsematosan Ikolo chipped in with 11 points.

St George's coach Brown hailed yesterday's win.

"The last time we won the under-19 basketball championship we beat JC on this court. Old Hope Rd is a good stomping ground for us . We are looking forward to our next big encounter with the defending champions Campion College. And we are going for gold but for now we will savour the moment," Brown said.