Christopher Vassell (right) of Wolmer's drives by St Catherine's Errington Robinson during game two of the ISSA/KFC South Conference basketball final at St Cathertine High school yesterday. Wolmers' won 63-61. (Photo: Bryan Cummings)

Wolmer's High levelled the Inter-Secondary School Sports Association (ISSA)/Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) best-of-three basketball final series against St Catherine High 1-1 after a pulsating come-from-behind 63-61 win in game two at St Catherine High School yesterday.

Led by 22 points each from Christopher Vassell and Kerron Caine, who also pulled 10 rebounds, along with Fabian Thompson with nine points and 14 rebounds, the Heroes Circle-based school overcame a 19-point deficit at half-time to score an unbelievable victory.

"I fouled out today, but everything is for a reason," said winning captain Adrain Blake.

"But the better team won and we played with heart today to show that we deserve to win this game," he added.

Javon Bailey and Ricardo Sutherland were the hosts' topscorers with 19 points each. Noel Wright also posted 15 points, and Errington Robinson, 17 rebounds.

The hosts started brightly and looked as if they would romp to another victory as they outplayed their opponents to take a 22-14 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Lennox Lindo-coached side could do no wrong in the second period, as they pulled away to lead 42-23 at the half-time break. Sutherland ended the half with 18 points and Bailey 11 points.

But Wolmer's turned the tables in the second half, as St Catherine failed to rediscover their early rhythm.
The visitors outscored their opponents 17-6 in the third period and gradually erased the deficit during the course of the final quarter.

With 11 seconds remaining, Jevaun Whyte handed Wolmer's a one point lead and when St Catherine failed to hit the basket on their last attempt, the Howard Harvey-coached team sank another free-throw to steal the match.

"It was disappointing, but we cannot look at that now, we have to look to the next game," said St Catherine's coach Lindo.

"Defensively, we did not step up and the officiating was not up to par... but we intend to come out and win the next game," he said.

Game three is set for next Tuesday at the National Stadium courts.

Meanwhile, game two of the junior final between Calabar and St Catherine High is set for St George's College this afternoon at 3:30. Calabar lead that series 1-0.

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