By Carlena Knight
Defending Antigua and Barbuda Basketball Association (ABBA) Division One champions, F and G Trading Cutie’s Ovals Ojays got off to a positive start in their quest to secure back-to-back titles.
The Ojays, playing in their first match on opening night of the ABBA League on Sunday, defeated Police Vertex 99-73 in the feature match of the double-header evening at JSC.
Last year’s Playoffs MVP, Joshua Minner, led the charge for his team with a game-high 33 points and eight rebounds.
Captain and 2019 League MVP, Bryan “Hollywood” Matthew, chipped in netting 24 points, snatching nine rebounds and making four steals.
N’kenge “Beef” Drew also got in on the action scoring 12 points and grabbing 11 rebounds while teammate and overseas-based player, Troy Vasco, contributed with 10 rebounds.
Kelvin “Shuggy” Simon was the leading scorer for the lawmen banking 16 points and grabbing nine rebounds.
He was assisted by overseas-based player, Isaac Bragg, who netted 14 and veteran, Nechus Jones, who made 13.
Newly-promoted team, Harold Lovell Rockersville, got their welcome back into the big yard as they lost by 77 points to Potters Steelers, 114-37.
Humroy Wright led the victors with 19 points while teammate, Lindsay McDonald, chipped in netting 15 and making five steals.
National players, Cohen DeSouza had 14 points and six rebounds, and Kareem “Macky” Edwards banked 12 points.
Teammates, Kebo Orford and Andrew “Puss” Venture both contributed sinking 10 points.
Rockersville’s, Michael Burton, had 13 points and 14 rebounds while teammate Troy Robertson chipped in scoring 10 points in a losing effort.
The 2020 season was officially opened with a brief opening ceremony at JSC.
Games will continue on Tuesday in both the 2nd and 3rd Divisions.
At JSC, Old Road Daggers will face Gunners at 6:30 while at 8:30, Dream Chasers will play Cristos.
Meanwhile, at Ottos, Ottos Vikings will play Fearless Crew 2 at 6:30 while at 8:30 Fearless Crew 1 will battle Ottos Coolers.