One Guyana Basketball League…

KITTY Campbellville Dynas Ravens drew first blood in One Guyana Basketball League finals Saturday at the National Gymnasium Hard Court.

Stabroek Eagles who had gone unbeaten in the regular season and playoff suffered its first defeat in the final’s first game over the weekend to Dynas Ravens by 2 points.

The win sees Ravens take a 1-nil lead in the best of three series.

Ravens veteran, Ryan Stephney and top player, Shamar Hartley, overcame a game high 28 points from Travis Belgrave to help their side emerge winners 78-76.

Eagles, coming off its stunning second round playoff series sweep of former club champions Bounty Colts, looked hot as they led 18-11 at the end of the first quarter.

Belgrave was phenomenal on the night, shooting at will to his team’s advantage with Denzel Ross assisting with 18 points.

However, Belgrave and Ross’ individual dominance was overcome by the experienced ‘team ball’ of Ravens who were led by Stephaney in the points column.

Stephaney would play a vital role as they did better in the second quarter to reduce the lead to five points 34-29.

The return of Jude Corlette who played some crucial minutes and the leadership of Dominic Vincente was solid as Ravens worked the shot clock to perfection making good of their possession and overturning the lead in the third quarter 54-51.

Michael Richards fouling out and Eagles missing Sherland Gillis -who was awesome for them in the playoffs-made the job arduous down the stretch.

Eagles failed to convert key moments and seemed at points overwhelmed by the tactics of a seasoned Dynas Ravens squad.

Boasting an abundance of youth, the Eagles would come back stronger in the fourth quarter to force overtime as they outscored Ravens 14-11 in the final period to tie the game 65-65.

Shamar Huntley proved the finisher for Ravens as he handled himself with distinction to finish with 16 points, in company with Stephaney (19 points) as they took the overtime win 13-11 for a 78-76 points victory.

The league’s final playoff series continues on Saturday March 23rd at the same venue.

The tournament tipped off in August last year and sees $2 million up for grabs with a million for the winner and half a million for second place in the League finals.

The league is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, G-boat Guyana and the National Sports Commission.