Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

The battle will be on to secure a spot in the final eight of the ISSA/KFC Southern Conference Under-19 schoolboy basketball league when the competition resumes today after a two-week holiday break.

In today's games, some of which could go a long way in determining second-round placings, St. George's will host Tivoli, while Campion host Meadowbrook, both starting at 3:30 p.m. In two other games, Ardenne will travel to face St. Jago, while St. Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) visit Excelsior for a 3:00 p.m. encounter.

In group A, which will see four teams advance, Jamaica College (JC) are atop the group with 12 points. They have already finished their fixture with a 5-2 record and this sees them safely through to the second round.

Defending champions St. Catherine, with one game left to play, are favoured to join JC in the next round. The title holders also have a 4-2 record and are already on 10 points. They will play last-place Campion in their final game.

Ardenne High are also in a good position to secure a spot in the group's final four. With one game remaining they have an identical record to the St. Catherine team. Ardenne will, however, be hard pressed in that game as they take on St. Jago High.

St Jago in contention

St. Jago have three games remaining and are very much in contention with a 2-2 record, already having picked up six points. With only one loss so far this season Meadowbrook could still snatch the top spot. Meadowbrook already have seven points and if they win their last three games could end up on 13.

With a 5-2 record and 12 points Kingston College currently sit at the top of a similarly tight group B. However, Wolmer's and St .George's, in second and third place respectively, both have a game remaining and are hot on the heels of the North Street team.

Wins for Wolmer's and St. George's would see them push past KC, while a loss will see all three teams end on 12 points.

Camperdown are currently in fourth place on 10 points and also have a shot at the second round. With two games remaining Tivoli, on eight points, can also book a spot in the next round with two wins.