Raiders upset by Bulls 63-62 but Kings, Jets and Royals reach semis

HALF Mile Bulls created the only upset with a thrilling 63-62 win over Retrieve Raiders, while Kings, Amelia’s Ward Jets and hosts Victory Valley Royals moved through to the semifinals of the Victory Valley Royals 20th Anniversary knockout basketball championship which began over the weekend.Playing in the opening game last Friday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court, Royals were in fine form after faltering in the first quarter as Block 22 Flames held a 13-7 advantage.
However, at half-time the score was 21-15 and third quarter 34-30 before Royals triumphed 53-44.
Orlando Glasgow led all scorers with a 19-point game and Chris Williams netted 10 points for the Royals. Selwyn Henry (17) and Shane Carmichael (12) were the top-scorers for the Flames.
In the second game Amelia’s Ward Jets proved superior with a 52-37 victory against Bankers Trust Falcons with leads throughout the game – 16-10 after the first quarter, 22-21 at halftime and 39-32 going into the final period.
Allister Webster had a top score of 17 and Amaniki Archibald 16 for the victors while Leonard Caleb got 14 and Marlon Persaud 11 for the Falcons.
On Saturday night Kings maintained their winning ways as the top-seeded team with a 70-33 humbling of Blueberry Hill. Kings took control early to lead 23-18, 45-17, 56-26 in a game which was a one-sided affair.
Former national captain Steve Neils (Jr) banged in six three-pointers in a top score of 20 points and teammate Quincy Easton had a similar score and Eon Reddock 14 for the Kings. Stephan Arthur was the lone Blueberry Hill player with a double figure score of 11.
In the second game Half Mile Bulls upended Retrieve Raiders 63-62.
It was a tough game for both sides and after the first quarter the Bulls were leading 21-17, but, however by halftime the Raiders climbed back to edge ahead 37-34.
The Bulls made a vital third-quarter run and led 55-44 and staved off the Raiders at the end to come away with a 63-62 win.
Terron Welch lead with 23, supported by Kevin Easton 11 and Travin Dryden 10 for the Bulls.
The competition continues on Friday with semi-final lineups featuring Kings against Bulls, and Jets facing Royals at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.