The ISSA/KFC Southern Conference High Schools Basketball League got underway on Monday at the National Stadium courts, with an opening ceremony and dress parade.

Twenty Schools divided in two zones will compete for the senior league title this season including defending champion St Andrew Technical who will play in Zone Two.

While, junior title-holders, Ardenne, will headline a list 18 teams, also divided into two groups, competing for the under-16 crown.

In the under-19 games on Monday, St George’s College welcomed newcomers St Thomas Technical to the league with a 87-11 mauling.

While, in a more evenly contested match Kingston College turned back Camperdown 58-49.

St George’s cruised to victory against their St Thomas opponent outscoring them 26-0, 11-5, 24-2, 24-4 in respective quarters.

Javed Habib led the scoring with a game-high 22 points, 11 steals and seven assists and he recieved good support from Matthew-Dane Henry who posted 20 points.

In the other match, Damion Johnson scored a game-high 18 points and pulled nine rebounds to lead Kingston College past Camperdown.

Zaavan Richards also lent good support, bagging 12 points, and Andre Helps 11 points for the North Street-based school.

The first-half was keenly contested with Kingston College leading by two (13-11) after the first quarter and by three (23-20) at the half.

However, the ‘purples’ stepped up a gear in the third quarter and ran out 21-11 winners for the period to lead by 13 (44-31) going into the final quarter.

And despite losing the final quarter 18-14 the boys for North Street held out for a comfortable victory in the end.

Kevin McLennon was the topscorer for Camperdown with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

In the under-16 competition, Kingston College scored a more one-sided 92-19 victory over the said opponent, to start both campaigns on winning notes.

Jamie-Hugh Brown was the game’s top player with a massive 30 points and seven assists, and Zachary McLeod gave him good backing with 17 points.

Kingston College only failed to reach the 20 points barrier in the second period when they tallied 18 points.

While, Camperdown best total for a quarter was eight points in the first.

In the day’s other fixture, Hoverace Bonfield scored 13 points, with eight rebounds and five steals and Kristoff Grant 11 points and 13 rebounds in Calabar’s 49-20 win over Hydel.

Calabar led 26-7 at half-time, and despite Hydel taking the third quarter 11-10, they easily won the final stanza 13-2 for a comprehensive victory.

The leagues continue on Friday with Meadowbrook playing Innswood at Meadowbrook, St Catherine taking on Kingston Technical at Stadium courts, Wolmer’s hosting Tivoli and Vauxhall at home to St George’s in senior league games starting at 4:00.pm.

While, in the junior competition, Meadowbrook host Charlie Smith, St Catherine play Papine at Stadium, Wolmer’s play at home to Tivoli and Vauxhall host St George’s. All staring at 3:00.pm.

LScott