Rootsie cease slide with major upset

By Ryan Haas
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – S L Horsford’s Rootsie snapped out of their long running slump Tuesday night (June 30) by knocking off the current leaders of the St. Kitts Amateur Basketball Association’s (SKABA) A Division, Ghaut Bucs, 71-69.

Since returning to SKABA this season, Ghaut Bucs have proven to be a dominant force against nearly all of their A Division opponents. Meanwhile, Rootsie had continued to be on the cold streak from the 2008 season that caused them to be relegated from the Premier Division to the A Division. 

That all changed Tuesday as Rootsie’s Jason Norford took charge against Ghaut Bucs and scored an aggressive 26 points, while also nabbing three steals. 

On defence, Norford found ample support from Scottie Tyson’s 12 rebounds. Despite Tyson’s effort to limit Ghaut Bucs, the opposing squad still found many scoring opportunities. 

Kimo Liburd stood far and away as Ghaut Bucs’ MVP for the game as he scored 22 points, eight rebounds and eight steals against the former Premier squad. Liburd was backed by Jervin Benjamin, who had 11 points, five steals and seven assists. 

Though Rootsie suffered many unnecessary turnovers in the match, they stayed tight with Ghaut Bucs and were able to grab the two-point victory in the very final seconds of the game. 

Blue Devils and Fire Storm also played on Tuesday as well, but it was a far less thrilling matchup as Blue Devils completely blew their opponents out of the water, 89-39. 

Much of the Blue Devils squad scored at will against the still winless Fire Storm, with Cleavon Flemming and Harold Wharton leading the pack, thanks to their 20 points apiece. 

D. Williams was the top scorer for Fire Storm with nine points in addition to his 16 rebounds during the game. 

Earlier in the week, Basketball City hosted some exciting games in the Female Division. 

The women of Ross University continued to be successful in their debut season as they completely dominated Lady Spartans, 55-23. This was no doubt thanks to an all around great performance from Tina Ramer, who scored a massive 32 points while also bringing in 22 rebounds. 

Also competing this week was the division leading Lady Blue Devils. They had little trouble earning a 55-27 win over the St. Paul’s Lady Tuff Knots, as national player Alicia Wiggley was once again the bright spot for Blue Devils with 14 points and eight steals. 

Tonight (July 2) Basketball City will be host to one Junior Division game in the 2009 LIME SKABA Basketball League, with Ghetto Roots facing a tough challenge from Blue Devils at 7:00.