ST JAMES, Jamaica – Herbert Morrison Technical High and Manchester High will hope to take 1-0 leads when the semi-final best of three series in the ISSA Rural Area Boys’ basketball competition tips off today at two venues.

In Montego Bay, Herbert Morrison Technical will host Cornwall College and Holland High in the Under-16 and Under -19 sections respectively.

In Mandeville, Manchester High faces Belair High in both games with the second games set to be played between Wednesday and Thursday and if necessary, the third and deciding games are set for February 14 and 17.

Herbert Morrison were perfect in the Under -19 quarter-finals, winning all three games and rebounded from a loss to Glenmuir High in the Under- 16 to win their next two games.

Herbert Morrison beat Holmwood Technical 69-55 in their final Under-19 game, led by a double-double from D’Aire Patterson who scored 25 points and had 20 rebounds, while Justin Salmon scored 18 points for Holmwood Technical.

Herbert Morrison had a slim one point lead after the first quarter, up 15-14 but took over the game in the second quarter, leading 40-24 at half- time and were up 54-39 at the end of the third quarter.

Their Under -16 team clinched their semifinal spot with an easy 56-12 win over Holland High with Shamar Russell leading the way with 27 points.

Manchester High completed their Under-19 quarter-finals with a 35 point win over Holland High, 75-40, outscoring the Trelawny school 64-29 over the last three quarters after leading 14-11 at the end of the first quarter.

– Paul Reid