Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter
Former champions Ardenne recovered from an early deficit to stun defending champions St Catherine 56-54 in ISSA\\KFC Southern Conference schoolboy basket-ball action at Ardenne High yesterday.
In a closely-contested battle Andrew Khan had a splendid all-round game with 20 points, eight rebounds and eight steals to eventually better the defending champions who led 40-36 at half-time.
A solid third quarter by the home team would see them push their way past the title holders for a 43-39 lead and fend off a late surge by St Catherine, who suffered their first defeat of the season and could not overcome the deficit, despite the best efforts of floor general Javaugh Bailey who had 20 points, 12 rebounds and five steals.
Warded off defeat
In the day's other game, Wolmer's Boy's warded off a late fourth quarter run by St George's to come away 80-67 victors.
Christopher Vassel, though not included in the starting line-up, came off the bench to lead the way for the Heroes Circle team with 20 points.
However, it was the North Street team who were led by point guard Joycelyn Campbell who had 27 points and pulled in 13 rebounds, that had the quicker start as they flew out the gate with three unanswered baskets.
The home team would, however, settle quickly to not only climb their way back into the game but begin to dominate with the introduction of Vassel and big man Adrian Blake who had 12 points.
After trailing 39-27 at half-time the 'light blues' would put together a late third quarter run, which would see them get within nine points. The Maroon and Gold clad home team responded well, however, and dug in defensively to make sure that St George's did not get much closer than that. Wolmer's and St George's now share an identical 3-1 record.
Junior games
St Jago, led by a game high 33 points from Michael Black, got the better of home team Jamaica College in a 68-66 victory. Eugene Dixon top scored for Jamaica College with 19 points.
In the junior games, St George's beat home team Wolmer's 62-52, Jamaica College got the better of St Jago 64-48 and Ardenne totally destroyed St Catherine 102-13.
