AFTER rain prevented the opening night’s double header last Saturday, Victory Valley Royals and Block 22 flames secured wins when the Kevin Joseph and Team 13 promoted Under 23 basketball tournament finally got going on Sunday evening in Linden.
The Royals overcame the Amelia’s Ward Jets and Block 22 Flames defeated the Central Mackenzie Kings in the double header at the Amelia’s Ward Hard Court.
The tournament has attracted the five affiliated clubs within the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA).

They are the Flames, Jets, Royals, Retrieve Raiders and Kings and the teams will be battling for semifinal slots after the preliminary round play.
Victory Valley Royals rallied to a 12-7 final quarter run to come out winners 42-39 after trailing 30-32, when the third quarter ended.
Royals were out to a good opening burst as they held a 18-9 advantage and despite a good come back from the home team Royals were ahead, 20-22, at the break.
The Jets rebounded their initiative in third quarter by holding sway as they outscored Royals 16-8 to take the initiative by a basket, 32-30.
The Jets however lost their way in the final stretch, to lose to the Royals 42-39.

Collin Phillips was in good form netting 13 points for the Royals as Kobe Tappin got 12 while Jets best players were Jennis Benjamin with 11 points and Leon Benjamin with seven.
In the second game of the tournament Block 22 Flames overwhelmed Central Mackenzie Kings 57-30 after leads over the first, second and third quarters 11-6, 19-11, 31-16 respectively.
Flames were ked to the win by the solid scoring from Jonathan Clarke with 19 points, Leron Joseph 17 and Jumane Reynolds 12.

Jemol Semple and Tyreese Arhur both netted eight points for Kings as Jeron Watson added 5 in a losing effort.
This evening (Wednesday), two matches which were rained out last Saturday night will be played weather permitting.
In the first game at 18.30 hours Jets oppose Flames and the other 20.30 hours features Royals and Raiders. (Joe Chapman)