Celtics topple Mayhill to make quarterfinals

By Morissa Lindsay

The quarterfinals for the Co-operators General Insurance Barbados Amateur Basketball Association Club Challenge have been decided and City United Celtics are through having come from three quarters down to capture a hard-fought 12- point victory (72-60) over Pharmaceuticals Plus Mayhill.

Contested last night at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, Mayhill secured the advantage 21-18, 37-36 and 49-47 in the first three quarters until Celtics broke the deadlock (60-60) and registered 12 consecutive points for victory in the fourth stanza. Their latest recruit Akeem Marsh with a game-high 20 points made his presence felt.

It was a good battle between the two teams and at 18-18 with a minute left in the first quarter it signalled how competitive the matchup would be and it lived up to expectation.

In addition to Marsh, young Kaliel Austin had a wonderful time on the court and contributed 16 points for the Celtics. The seasoned Stevenson Callender tallied 11 and Mario Springer accounted for ten.

Credit to Mayhill for giving it their all but they failed to defend the lead when it mattered most in the decisive fourth quarter. Dijon Hunte with 13 points and Daniel Lovell 12 top scored for them.

When the score was tied 18-18, it was Mayhill’s point guard Hunte who registered one of two free throws after being fouled. Celtics just could not keep Hunte out of the game at this stage as he delivered an amazing Euro step and put away a lovely layup that gave his team the three point lead (21-18) going into the second quarter.

Mayhill in the first half strategized to make some backdoor passes to Hunte, the youngest member of the team whenever there was a quick turnover. It worked effectively for Mayhill as both teams ran full court playing man to man and not showing any sign of tiredness. But one of Celtics’ tasks was slowing down the young and energetic Hunte.

Austin played well and showed aggression when approaching the basket, he showed no signs of fear even when shooting outside the three-point arc. Playing alongside arguably one of Barbados’ best basketball players in Akeem Marsh, Austin was unstoppable for Celtics.

In what was the opening encounter of the night, Marsh seemed more comfortable shooting than playing inside the paint for Celtics. Granted the 6’10” power forward is capable of doing both and has proved that many times in prior seasons. The most recent being 2019 when he led Burger King Clapham Bulls to the BABA Premier League Championship. He has established himself as one of the most talented men in local basketball.

Barbados Lumber Company Lakers point guard David Walkes (right) with a three-point shot against Bears Vets.

Once again in the second quarter Mayhill secured the advantage by a mere one point (37-36) at halftime. Celtics brought off Marsh to rest with less than a minute to play before the third quarter.

It was a good move because the second half was the most crucial part of the game given how close the scores were and the need for both teams to have their best players fully involved.

In the third quarter Mayhill extended the lead by five points (41-36) and Celtics only made matters a bit worse for themselves as the bench received a technical from referee Wayne Babb for what appeared to be obscene language used. Hunte was entrusted with the shot but he failed to score.

However, Celtics managed to close the gap and equalized at 45-45 thanks to a free throw from Marsh, with his team at the time down 45-44 with one minute and 17 seconds to play.

It was a businesslike approach from Mayhill as Dave Young accounted for two free throws and Shane Worrell followed with a layup that earned the team a four point lead as the hustle on both ends intensified. A number of fouls took place at this stage of the game which was no surprise as both teams were under pressure.

Celtics were able to reduce the deficit by two, 49-47, when the third quarter concluded thanks to the veteran Stevenson Callender with one of two free throws along with Jonathan Taitt also with one of two free throws.

The fourth quarter is where it all counts and the move by Celtics to put four runners on the court at this stage of the game was brilliant because Mayhill while they had Hunte and a few others to run, they were no match for Celtics.

That was a given when Celtics broke free and extended the lead by a whopping 12 points (72-60) and had the game in their grasp with a minute left to play. Celtics as expected killed the clock until the final whistle sounded by referees Wayne Babb and Jared Grant.

In the nightcap clash, Barbados Lumber Company Lakers who are also through to the quarterfinals, outscored Bears Vets 71-47 (14-8, 40-24, 60-35) thanks to David Walkes with a top score of 20 points. Also on the sheet for Lakers was Anand Joseph Thorne with 14 points, Jae Harris tallied 11 and Brandon Ruck contributed ten.

The lone stand-out for Bears Vets was Negasi Hart with nine points.

(morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb)