Wins for City and Cayo sides to open Elite Basketball League return season

By Aaron Humes: Both Belize City representatives and San Ignacio’s Western Ballaz won their opening matches this weekend in the renamed Belize Elite Basketball League (BEBL).

On Friday night, Belize City Defenders lived up to their name, halting the visiting Griga Dream Ballers 82 to 70 at the Civic Center. Top scorer was Nigel Jones of the Defenders with 29 points and 10 rebounds, while point guard Devin Daly put up 20 points and eight rebounds. In a losing effort for Dream Ballers, D’Von Campbell had 26 points.

Western Ballaz, the former Verdes side, handled visiting Orange Walk Running Rebels 90-67 in the early Saturday game, with four Ballaz in double figures including 24 points from Mark Gordon and a unique double-double of 20 points and 21 rebounds from Richard Smith III. Orange Walk’s leading scorers were Joshua Hopkins with 24 points and Elvis Olivera with 15.

The Benny’s Belize Hurricanes stormed the south for a comprehensive 90-69 victory, riding a balanced attack with five scorers in double figures including 22 points and 13 rebounds from Kris Frazier, former Verdes man. Hosts Punta Gorda Panthers were led by Davis Tavian with 23 points and Darnell Oden with 21 points and 13 rebounds.

The Belmopan Taigaz and defending champion San Pedro Tigersharks are yet to take to the court as we await the week 2 schedule.

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