Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter
St. George's Chad Murdock attempts to make a basket over Wolmer's Adrian Blake in action from the 2005 KFC sponsored ISSA High School Basketball league last week at St George's. Wolmer's won the encounter 62-54. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
ST. GEORGE'S stumbled with a tough home loss to Wolmer's in their first game of the 2005 KFC sponsored ISSA High School basketball season, but come today they will be hoping to leap clear of Tivoli in their second game - another crucial showdown scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on their home court.
For a George's team that have an 0-1 record to start the season, the importance of a victory today cannot be overstated.
"It is of utmost importance that we win today, we certainly don't intend to be 0-2 to start our season." remarked George's coach, Clifford Brown.
HOME ADVANTAGE
He strongly believes that even though the team started the season with a loss at home, being at home still gives them the edge for today's encounter.
"We will definitely be ready for them (Tivoli) today. Playing at home is always an advantage, we will be looking for crowd support. Our confidence is not yet at its highest peak but I think we should be able to win today,"Brown said.
However, according to Tivoli coach Desmond Fray, a win for 1-0 side, which routed Vauxhall 59-32 in its first encounter at the National Stadium, is also a priority.
"We will be going all out on this one, it is our last game before we go on a break until January and we want to win this one and be in a good position for the restart," Fray said.
DEFENSIVE CLAMPS
He will be looking for another big game from forward Ovando Dunn who poured in 40 of Tivoli's 59 points in their last encounter, but he will also be looking to apply the clamps defensively.
" I think if we cut down on the amount of outside shots we allow them and contain Shane Williams in the paint, we should be OK," he said.
In the day's other game, St Catherine will be intent on recovering from their first loss of the season when they travel to face Campion. The home team have started the season with a 0-3 record and will be hard pressed to stop St Catherine, who now stand at 2-1, from handing them their fourth consecutive loss.
TODAY'S GAMES
Southern Conference
Under-19: St. George's vs Tivoli, Campion vs St. Catherine. Under-16: St. George's vs Tivoli , Campion vs St. Catherine.
Eastern Conference
Under-19: Tichfield vs Port Antonio. Under-16: Tichfield vs Port Antonio.
