'Herbert' surprise Muschett in basketball final

Saturday, February 04, 2012

MONTEGO BAY, St James — Herbert Morrison Technical completed a come from behind 2-1 win over favourites Muschett High to win the ISSA/KFC Western Conference high schoolboys Under-16 basketball title after winning Thursday's third and decisive game, 70-60, at the Montego Bay Cricket Club.

The game, which was the highest scoring of the series, lived up to its expectations and was exciting from the outset between two well-coached teams and was close for the most parts until Herbert Morrison overcame a double digit deficit in the third quarter to win.

Daniel Henry, who missed last week Friday's first game due to a twisted ankle, was the big difference as he scored 23 points as Herbert Morrison won back-to-back games after losing the first one by a wide margin.

Muschett, who were unbeaten through the regular season, won the first game 58-31, but Henry's return in Tuesday's second game saw the Montego Bay school winning, 56-41, to set up Thursday's decisive game.

Both teams will represent the Western Conference in the all-island play-offs, while champions Cornwall College and Spot Valley High will contest the Under-19 play-offs.

In the Under-16 humdinger, the teams were tied at 48-48 going into the fourth quarter as Herbert Morrison proved to be the better conditioned team over the final 10 minutes as Muschett withered down the stretch.

Led by Ralique Grant, who also scored 23 points including four three-pointers, Herbert Morrison outscored Muschett 22-10 in the final quarter.

Henry also had 12 rebounds and eight steals for Herbert Morrison, while David Peck scored 14 points and had 10 rebounds.

Michael Schloss had a game-high 25 points for Muschett and eight rebounds, while Karlington Barrett scored 17 points and had 10 rebounds.