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All-Stars keen to trap Jaguars in final

Published:Thursday | July 12, 2012 | 12:00 AM
Runnin Rebels and Urban Knights top scorers Kemar McLeish (left) and Fernando Young battle for the ball just before the end of their match during the Flow National Basketball League Southern Conference Finals. The Runnin Rebels emerged champions after defeating Urban Knights 73-72 in Saturday night's match at the National Stadium. - Contributed

WESTERN BUREAU:

DEFENDING FLOW National Basketball League western champions, Catherine Hall All-Stars, will put three regular season defeats to Granville Jaguars behind them when the two clash in the final today at Montego Bay Cricket Club, starting at 7 p.m.

However, according to All-Stars power forward Jermaine Rerrie, the real test will come in the final.

"So they managed to beat us three times during the regular season, but it should be remembered that they did so only when we were not at full strength," Rerrie offered.

"Come Thursday night, that will be history as we will show them the real mettle we possess as champions," Rerrie reasoned.

The Jaguars' offence is ranked first of the six clubs out in the west and their defence is right there also at the top. They have the enviable record of being the only club in the NBL's Western Conference to top the 100-point barrier this season, having done so three times, including a big one against Catherine Hall All-Stars, who were without one of their top players, Vaughn Cork.

Rerrie, meanwhile, who also plays the centre role, admits that beating the Jaguars will have to be a total team effort, but stressed that he was confident the All-Stars have the requisite skills.

"We are obviously rated the second best in the league based on our defence, so that will augur well for us because we can lock down their main threats, while spacing the floor for our shooters to have clean looks at the basket," Rerrie said.

DORMAN BACK FROM INJURY

Apart from a strong defence, Catherine Hall All-Stars will have the influential Kirk Dorman back from injury and he is expected to lead the charge.

"We will get back Dorman from injury and we all know what he can do with the basketball, so we are confident of pulling off the win this time," he noted.

Granville, meanwhile, have an equally potent offence, led by former Tivoli Wizard Andrew Whilby, who has provided some championship pedigree. He and Lamardo Gebault are expected to feature for the Jaguars.

They have an unbeaten record heading into the final - after 15 games this season - while Catherine Hall All-Stars have tasted defeat four times for an 11-4 record.

The two western finalists will participate in the national play-offs.

-P.C.