ISSA urban basketball titles on the line - Wolmer’s, St George’s hold advantage

WOLMER'S Boys' and St George's College will be hoping to dismiss Jamaica College (JC) and Campion College, respectively, at St George's College today when the second finals of the ISSA urban under-16 and under-19 basketball competition get under way.

Both teams lead the best-of-three series 1-0 after the first finals last Friday at Campion College. In under 16 action, Wolmer's got by JC 67-58 and both teams will meet at 2 p.m.

At 3:30 p.m., St George's College, who defeated defending champions Campion College 64-62 in overtime, will meet them in under 19 action.

In what is a must-win situation, Campion's coach, Ryan Martell, is very confident that his team can get back on level terms and return home for the decider.

"As we prepare for Game 2, it's our intention to win and force a Game 3 to win the championships at home," said Martell.

After a meltdown by his team in the fourth quarter last Friday - where they scored only a single point despite going in with an 11-point advantage - before seeing the scores level at full time, St George's eventually won by two points.

Coach Clifford Brown is hoping that his team will close out the series at home today.

"This is our biggest game of the season. We are giving it our best shot with the requisite attention needed to be champions," said Brown.

In the opening game, the Duane Cunningham-coached JC, who were surprised by their opponents, will be hoping to bounce back with a win and force a Game 3.

"It is very simple: do not turn over the ball and we will win the game," said Cunningham.

Errol Harvey, coach of Wolmer's under-16 team, is hopeful that they will be at their best.

"We are expecting to play our best basketball, as hard and accurate as possible, with the guidance of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give Him the glory," said Harvey.