LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter

Pure Playaz's Ricardo Smith (10) is blocked by Gary Reid of Denham Town Wizards during their KFC National Basketball League match at the National Stadium courts on Thursday. Wizards won 108-45. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

Denham Town Wizards, more than previous years, have a lot to play for this season.

The west Kingston team which competes in the KFC National Basketball League are without their inspirational captain, Howard 'Blacks' Clarke, who was shot and killed in February.

In their opening game against debutantes Pure Playaz of Portland on Thursday night, the Wizards honoured Clarke's memory with his number 20 emblazoned on the back and front of each player's jersey. Wizards romped to an easy 108-45 victory over Playaz as they set things in motion to go after the Patrick Ewing Trophy.

Their aim was always to be title contenders, but this year that quest has much more meaning.

"He was really looking forward to the season," said coach Wayne Bartley. "And the pledge is to win the league this year for Howard Clarke. That's our dedication and that's what we are working for. Not only to win the league but the mid-season final, knockout and all the titles out there."

Clarke, who is survived by three sons, was operating a taxi on February 20 when he was ambushed. His body was found the next day. Four months on the healing process has taken its course but the wounds are still visible.

"The team has been cut up very badly. Even me had to be going to a psychiatrist because I didn't know I would take it so deep," noted Bartley. "The team is very close, we're like a family. We share things together, laugh together so losing Howard was really hurtful to the team. I still can't believe he is not here with us tonight."

Scrappy moments

Wizards looked scrappy at times in their win over Pure Playaz despite it being a no contest. Bartley said the four-month delay in the start of the league and Clarke's death heavily impacted the team's preparation and psyche.

"Although we scored over a 100 points it's (the win) nothing to really be happy about because at times we were complacent," added Bartley.

Anthony Farquharson led the team and almost had a triple-double with 25 points, 19 rebounds and nine assists. He was supported by Dwayne Harris (22) and Jermaine Brown (18).

By the end of the first quarter, it was clear Pure Playaz had a long night ahead of them. They scored only five points in the period, they were poor on the defensive end allowing 29 points and displayed poor shot selection, attempting no fewer than 10 three-pointers and scoring none.

Jeffrey Ivy and Jason Wilson were their top scorers with 10 points each.

"I was expecting much more from the players but they did not capitalise on the chances," said coach Lorna Lawson.

"One of the things that beat them was the fast-breaks and I'm just disappointed because I know they can do much better than what they did."

In Thursday's other game, defending champions St. George's Slayers were edged 70-68 by Arnett Gardens, their second win of the young season.

Arnell Campbell led the winners with 17 points and 15 rebounds, while Delano Mallett contributed 16 points. Slayers' Leon Chung had a game-high 24 points.